John "Brad" Bradbury, the drummer with The Specials, has died, aged 62.
While the cause of his passing has yet to be disclosed, his family made the following statement:
"It is with deepest regret that we have to announce the very sad news that our much loved husband and father John 'Brad' Bradbury passed away on Monday the 28 of December.
"Brad's drumming was the powerhouse behind The Specials and it was seen as a key part to the Two Tone sound. He was much respected in the world of drumming and his style of reggae and ska was seen as genuinely ground-breaking when The Specials first hit the charts in 1979.
"He was an integral part of The Specials reforming in 2008 and toured with them extensively up to the present day. His contribution to the world of music can not be understated and he will much missed by family, friends and fans alike.
"It is the family's sincerest wish that they are allowed the time to remember him privately."
John Bradbury joined The Specials in 1979 and continued to play with them and their revised line-up, The Special AKA, to the present day. This news follows three months on after the band's trombonist, Rico Rodriguez, also died.
