The British ska band confirms the death of their 56-year-old frontman on their social media accounts, calling him a fighter and dishing that he was surrounded by his family.
- Mar 27, 2019
AceShowbiz - The Beat (a.k.a The English Beat) star Ranking Roger has died seven months after suffering a mini-stroke.
The "Mirror in the Bathroom" hitmaker, real name Roger Charlery, passed away on Tuesday, March 26, according to a tweet on his band's official account.
"RIP @RankingRoger who sadly passed away peacefully at home with family by his side early today," the statement read. "He was a fighter."
RIP @RankingRoger who sadly past away peacefully at home with family by his side early today. Roger was a fighter. ❤️💔 pic.twitter.com/lIOh2XwFwx
— The Beat (@TheBeat) March 26, 2019
Another post on the band's Facebook page reads: "He fought & fought & fought, Roger was a fighter."
"Roger's family would like to thank everyone for their constant support during this tough time."
The ska icon was diagnosed with two brain tumours and lung cancer following a stroke he suffered last August (2018).
Born in Birmingham, England in 1963, Roger was best known for his work in The Beat, but he was also a member of offshoot act General Public with The Beat bandmate Dave Wakeling. He also released a string of solo albums.
A biography about Roger's life in music, which he co-wrote, will be published later this year.
Billy Bragg, The Specials star Neville Staple, and UB40 were among the first to pay tribute to the late singer on social media on Tuesday.
Very sorry to hear that Ranking Roger has passed away. Rest easy, Rude Boy https://t.co/dQXifw7J9c
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) March 26, 2019
Bragg linked to a The Beat performance on British show "O.T.T." in 1982 on YouTube and wrote: "Very sorry to hear that Ranking Roger has passed away. Rest easy, Rude Boy."
@NevilleStaple@NevilleStaple on Instagram says:
— Neville Staple (@NevilleStaple) March 26, 2019
Me with my super friend @rankingroger & Murphy at Roger's last ever show.
I'm devastated to lose Roger, my Special Beat partner!… https://t.co/lEyYISUMXV
Staple tweeted: "I'm devastated to lose Roger, my Special Beat partner!".
