Legendary drummer Tony Allen dies, aged 79

The legendary drummer, best known for his work with Fela Kuti and The Good, the Bad & the Queen, Tony Allen has died, aged 79.

His manager Eric Trosset confirmed the news that Allen had passed away in Paris earlier today (1st May), and is alleged to have been from an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Tony Allen was regularly praised for his work bringing afrobeat to a western audience, and was named by his The Good, the Bad & the Queen bandmate Damon Albarn as the greatest drummer in the world, with the father of modern afrobeat Fela Kuti stating, "Without Tony Allen, there would be no afrobeat".

Listen again to his work on the Fela Kuti track 'Water No Get Enemy' in the player below.

More News

Everything Everything unveil new single 'The End Of The Contender'

With their eagerly-awaited new album due out early next month, Everything Everything have now dropped the next cut to be lifted from their... 2 months 3 weeks ago

Bombay Bicycle Club collaborate with Lucy Rose on 'Willow'

With their eagerly-awaited new EP set to land later this month, Bombay Bicycle Club have now dropped the next cut to be lifted from their upcoming... 2 months 4 weeks ago

Dehd announce new album 'Poetry'

Following on from the rousing response to their much-loved 2022 LP 'Blue Skies', Dehd have now announced their plans for a new studio album, arriving... 2 months 4 weeks ago

Pond return with new single 'Neon River'

Following on from the release of their highly-praised 2022 LP '9', Pond have now returned to share a brand new single. The new track 'Neon River'... 2 months 4 weeks ago

Ibibio Sound Machine announce new album 'Pull The Rope'

Following on from the release of their much-loved 2022 LP 'Electricity', Ibibio Sound Machine have now announced their plans for a new studio album,... 3 months 10 hours ago

Dolores Forever unveil new single 'Someday Best'

After breaking through with a string of impactful singles throughout last year, Dolores Forever are now back to deliver a brand new offering. The... 3 months 17 hours ago

Colouring shares new single 'How'd It Get So Real?'

With his eagerly-awaited new album now less than a month away, Colouring has dropped the next cut to be lifted from his forthcoming full-length.... 3 months 1 day ago

Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard announce new album 'Skinwalker'

Following on from the release of their highly-praised debut LP 'Backhand Deals' in 2022, Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard have now announced their plans for a... 3 months 1 day ago

Jordan Rakei announces new album 'The Loop'

After recently returning with his stunning comeback single 'Flowers' near the end of last year, Jordan Rakei has now announced his plans for a new... 3 months 2 days ago