View Full Version : Singer Ranking Roger (The English Beat, General Public) 1963-2019


Zoneboy
03-26-2019, 06:13 PM
Link (https://bit.ly/2TEbnNY)

The Beat's Ranking Roger has died at the age of 56.

The news was confirmed in a statement on the band's website.

Leaving a heartfelt message, the band wrote: "He fought and fought and fought, Roger was a fighter.

"Sadly Roger past away a few hours ago peacefully at his home surrounded by family."

Speaking out for his family they said: "Roger's family would like to thank everyone for their constant support during this tough time. more to follow in the coming days. RIP Roger."

The Vocalist became a Punk rock fan as a teenager and was the drummer in the Nam Nam Boys before joing rising to fame after joining the ska revival band The Beats in the late 70s.

During a YouTube interview back in Jaunary, Ranking revealed that following a stroke in August 2018 he had been diagnosed with two brain tumours and lung cancer.

An official statement at the time described that he had suffered a "mini-stroke."


BREAKING: The sad news was confirmed on The Beat's website
The press release stated that the band would be cancelling their tour in the UK and US.

Although the band shared with fans that they were justing finishing up an album and Roger was working on a new book about the band's early days.

It did not take long for tributes for the Reggae icon to pour in after hearing the news.

Taking to Twitter, Billy Bragg shared: "Very sorry to hear that ranking Roger has passed away. Rest easy, Rude Boy."

UB40 appeared shocked by the sad loss: "R.I.P Ranking Roger, Big Love UB40."
The star was born in Birmingham, originally named Roger Charlery and born of parent originally from the Carribean Island of St. Lucia.

The Beat released three albums in the earlier 80s called, I Just Can't Stop, Wha'ppen and Special Beat Service.

Sadly the split in 1983, leaving the talented musician to form the likes of the band General Public, releasing another successful album Hand to Mouth before also splitting.

Although in 2005 The Beat reformed playing at Glastonbury with their new material written by Ranking Junior.

Zoneboy
03-26-2019, 06:15 PM
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1960'sTVfan
03-26-2019, 08:43 PM
Sad to learn about this, R.I.P. Ranking Roger.

I have the three English Beat albums. The first one, I Just Can't Stop It, is an awesome party album. The second album, Wha'ppen, also has good songs but the overall mood is more serious. The third album, Special Beat Service, to me this album lacks the quality songwriting from the other two albums, I think it's the weakest of the three so therefore I don't listen to it as much as the first two albums.

Here's a favorite tune of mine from The English Beat- "Hands Off She's Mine". LOL, if this doesn't put you in a good mood, then nothing else will. :lol:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXOuRtllecc

AB
03-27-2019, 05:39 PM
Rest in peace.