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

Speedy Ortiz unveil new single 'Villain'

With their highly-anticipated new album set to drop later this month, Speedy Ortiz have now returned to unveil the next cut to be lifted from their... 6 years 1 week ago

Leon Vynehall announces new album 'Nothing Is Still'

Following on from his incredible 2016 album 'Rojus', Leon Vynehall has returned to announce his plans for a new studio LP, due out in the summer.... 6 years 1 week ago

Chvrches share new single 'Miracle'

With their highly-anticipated new album due out later next month, Chvrches have now returned to deliver the next cut from their forthcoming full-... 6 years 1 week ago

Half Waif unveils new single 'Back In Brooklyn'

With only a few weeks left before she releases her hotly-tipped new studio album, Half Waif has now unveiled the next cut to be lifted from her... 6 years 1 week ago

Kamasi Washington announces double album 'Heaven And Earth'

After kicking off the year with a number of collaborations on Richard Russell's 'Everything Is Recorded' project, Kasami Washington has now announced... 6 years 1 week ago

Lykke Li teases new material

Having kept herself busy these last few years with LIV, a collaborative project between Miike Snow, Björn Yttling and herself, Lykke Li looks to be... 6 years 1 week ago

Matt Maltese announces debut album 'Bad Contestant'

Having spent the last couple of years releasing brilliant singles, Matt Maltese has finally announced the full details of his first studio album.... 6 years 1 week ago

Chromeo unveil new single 'Must've Been'

With their highly-anticipated new album due out in the summer, Chromeo have now unveiled the next cut to be lifted from their forthcoming full-length... 6 years 1 week ago

Johnny Marr announces new album 'Call The Comet'

Following on from his hotly-tipped sophomore album 'Playland' back in 2014, former Smith and Crib Johnny Marr has now announced his plans for a new... 6 years 2 weeks ago