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

The Horrors return with new single 'Machine'

After falling almost deafly silent since the release of their 2014 studio album 'Luminous', The Horrors have returned with a brand new single. The... 6 years 10 months ago

Metric's Emily Haines announces new album 'Choir Of The Mind'

With Metric's last album 'Pagans In Vegas' released back in 2015, their frontwoman Emily Haines has taken some time away from the band to record her... 6 years 10 months ago

Wolf Alice announce new album 'Visions Of A Life'

Following on from their much-loved 2015 debut album 'My Love Is Cool', Wolf Alice are back to unveil the details surrounding their next studio... 6 years 10 months ago

Ibeyi return with new single 'Away Away'

Since releasing their incredible self-titled debut album back in 2015, twin sisters Naomi and Lisa-Kaindé Díaz, better known as Ibeyi, have appeared... 6 years 11 months ago

Toro Y Moi announces new album 'Boo Boo'

Following on from his 2015 studio album 'What For?', Toro Y Moi aka Chaz Bear (no longer Chaz Bundick) has now announced his plans for a new LP,... 6 years 11 months ago

Oh Wonder unveil new single 'High On Humans'

With just over a month until the pair release their highly-anticipated new studio album, Oh Wonder have now unveiled the second track to be lifted... 6 years 11 months ago

Rat Boy announces debut album 'Scum'

After years of sharing standalone singles and small EPs, Essex's very own rambunctious scallywag Rat Boy has now unveiled the details of his long-... 6 years 11 months ago

Gorillaz unveil new single 'Sleeping Powder'

Despite packing their latest album 'Humanz' with more than 20 songs for the deluxe edition, it seems that not everything the band wanted to share... 6 years 11 months ago

Lorde shares new track 'Sober'

With just one week left before she releases her highly-anticiapted new album, Lorde has shared what is likely to be the final preview from her... 6 years 11 months ago