Legendary ska frontman Ranking Roger of the beloved U.K. band the Beat — or the English Beat in North America — has died. He was 56.
In a Facebook post, Roger's family broke the sad news late Tuesday (March 26). The message reads:
"He fought & fought & fought, Roger was a fighter."
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. More to follow in the coming days. RIP ROGER!
Back in January, Roger opened up about his various health problems, which included brain tumours and lung cancer. You can watch that video below.
However, his family did not specify a cause of death.
Ranking Roger was born Roger Charlery in 1963. He started his music career playing drums in the Dum Dum Boys, but soon went on to help found the Beat as a teenager. Over the years, he led the Beat as one of the band's lead vocalists, performing and recording on all the Beat's studio albums.
When the Beat broke up in 1983, Roger formed General Public alongside Beat bandmate Dave Wakeling. When General Public eventually called it a day, both Roger and Wakeling would go on to stage different Beat revivals.
And while the two singers often had a tumultuous relationship over the years, they reunited for a performance back in 2017.
In a Facebook post, Roger's family broke the sad news late Tuesday (March 26). The message reads:
"He fought & fought & fought, Roger was a fighter."
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. More to follow in the coming days. RIP ROGER!
Back in January, Roger opened up about his various health problems, which included brain tumours and lung cancer. You can watch that video below.
However, his family did not specify a cause of death.
Ranking Roger was born Roger Charlery in 1963. He started his music career playing drums in the Dum Dum Boys, but soon went on to help found the Beat as a teenager. Over the years, he led the Beat as one of the band's lead vocalists, performing and recording on all the Beat's studio albums.
When the Beat broke up in 1983, Roger formed General Public alongside Beat bandmate Dave Wakeling. When General Public eventually called it a day, both Roger and Wakeling would go on to stage different Beat revivals.
And while the two singers often had a tumultuous relationship over the years, they reunited for a performance back in 2017.