JOHN ‘BRAD’ BRADBURY, the drummer with ska band The Specials, has died.
He was 62 years old.
Bradbury joined the The Specials in 1979 and remained in the band when it reformed as The Special AKA in 1981. The band had a top ten hit with Free Nelson Mandela.
Bradbury took part in The Specials’ reunion tour in 2009. He also founded JB Allstars.
In a statement, his family said: “It is with deepest regret that we have to announce the very sad news that our much loved husband and father John ‘Brad’ Bradbury passed away on Monday the 28th of December.
Brad’s drumming was the powerhouse behind The Specials and it was seen as a key part to the Two Tone sound. He was much respected in the world of drumming and his style of reggae and ska was seen as genuinely groundbreaking when The Specials first hit the charts in 1979.
“He was an integral part of The Specials reforming in 2008 and toured with them extensively up to the present day. His contribution to the world of music cannot be understated and he will much missed by family, friends and fans alike.
“It is the family’s sincerest wish that they are allowed the time to remember him privately.”
Irish fans may have a particular fondness for one Specials’ song in particular – Ghost Town featured on a Father Ted episode where DJ Father Billy ‘The Spinmaster’ O’Dwyer forgot all his records apart from one.
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