The vocalist of two-toned band The Beat and later the founding member of General Public Roger Charlery, known as Ranking Roger has died on Tuesday at his home surrounded by his family, at the age of 56.
Reportedly the news is confirmed by the Beat’s official facebook page through a statement but the cause of death has not been disclosed.
“Sadly Roger past away a few hours ago peacefully at his home surrounded by family. Roger’s family would like to thank everyone for their constant support during this tough time.”
“He fought & fought & fought, Roger was a fighter.”
“Rest in Peace Ranking Roger, such sad news!! Lovely guy… Way [too] young!! Condolences to his family,” wrote Matt Hoy, a touring vocalist with reggae group UB40.
Roger had a stroke last summer and after the diagnosis he revealed in January that he has been suffering with two brain tumors and lung cancer.
“Rest easy, Rude Boy,” said Billy Bragg, the songwriter on Twitter.
Despite his ill health, he still found time to finish his autobiography with co-writer Daniel Rachel, called “I Just Can’t Stop It: My Life in the Beat”
The band Beat melded customary ska music with components of pop, new wave, punk shake and latin, and turned into a pioneer in the two-tone music classification.
Influenced by the Jamaican rap technique of “toasting” Charlery spearheaded the two-tone movement with a distinctive vocal style and the group enjoyed several top 10 hits.
His co-workers and his fans are paying tribute to him.
“R.I.P Ranking Roger, Big Love” The reggae group UB40 tweeted.
“Very sorry to hear that Ranking Roger has passed away. Rest easy, Rude Boy,” Bragg said.
However, Roger’s family want to thank his fans for supporting him in his tough time.
> Puza Sarker Snigdha
British Musician Roger Charlery Dies Aged 56
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