RIP Specials’ Drummer John Bradbury, Dead At 62

Legendary drummer, John “Brad” Bradbury of the much-beloved British 2 Tone and ska revivalist-crew, The Specials recently passed-away at the age of 62 in his native England.  While cause-of-death is still yet to be revealed, the remaining band-members did tweet their condolences when the news breached:

“It is with deep regret that we say goodbye to our great friend, the world’s greatest drummer, our beloved Brad.  RIP.”

Having initially joined the band formerly referred to as: The Special AKA in 1979, Bradbury is greatly revered for his progressive-contribution toward shaping the 2 Tone signature persona that comprises The Specials at their peak.  World-renowned for donning 1960s mod-style, rude-boy attire in the form of: mohair-suits, loafers, tonic, and pork-pie hats, these Brit-SKA-lackers bursted on the scene in 1980 with their hit: “Too Much Too Young” from The Special AKA Live! EP.

Although the band has seen their fair-share of ups-and-downs: various members departing the band, original-founder and key-songwriter: Jerry Dammers, who dissolved the band in 1981, not-withstanding, the band ultimately regrouped and reversioned to churn-out seven top-10 singles in the UK.  Among those sanctified-cuts to blaze the charts, include: “Ghost Town,”and the ever-anthemic reprieve: “Free Nelson Mandela.”

Ever-bit an integral part of the band’s most-current reformation in 2008, Bradbury toured extensively with the band until the very end.  News of his death arrives only a mere three-months after the death of The Specials‘ premiere trombonist, Rico Rodriguez.

Hailing from Bradbury’s hometown of Coventry, famed music-producer, Pete Waterman details his recollection of the talented-drummer:

“I always had a good laugh with Brad.  He was always proud of being in the band and what we’d and he’d achieved.”

Waterman continues:

“He never left Coventry because he always wanted to be part of the scene… he was tremendous.”

Bradbury’s family revealed a statement concerning news of Bradbury’s death:

“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 28 of December.”