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

XL Recordings celebrate 25 years with 4-vinyl compilation

As one of the biggest independent labels in the world, XL Recordings are marking their 25th year of business with a stunning 'best of' compilation of... 9 years 9 months ago

Rustie's new track 'Velcro' features on Adidas advert

While the World Cup is long over, Adidas are getting us ready for the new season and have managed to bag Scottish producer Rustie to add some flare... 9 years 9 months ago

Action Bronson unveils new track 'Easy Rider'

The New York rapper may be becoming just as famous for his love of food thanks to his online culinary opinion show 'Fuck That's Delicious', but now... 9 years 9 months ago

Arcade Fire cover 'Beverley Hills Cop' theme

This isn't the first time Arcade Fire have performed surprise covers on their recent 'Reflektor' tour. Prince, The Smiths and many more have all made... 9 years 9 months ago

'Lazaretto' becomes biggest selling vinyl in 20 years

It certainly seems like vinyl has firmly made a comeback after it has now been announced that Jack White's second solo album 'Lazaretto' is now the... 9 years 9 months ago

Jessie Ware announces 'Tough Love' release date

News of the upcoming Jessie Ware album has been arriving in small doses over the last month but finally a date has been set for the new release.... 9 years 9 months ago

Fucked Up share two unreleased tracks 'The Way We Did' and 'Blink'

Canadian punk rockers Fucked Up may have only just released their latest album 'Glass Boys', but now the band have unveiled two unheard tracks that... 9 years 9 months ago

Lorde to curate next 'Hunger Games' soundtrack

After teenage pop sensation Lorde featured on the soundtrack to the previous film 'Hunger Games: Catching Fire', it has been announced that the... 9 years 9 months ago

Peace unveil new single 'Lost On Me'

Birmingham-based foursome Peace have unveiled another track to be taken from their forthcoming new album. The track 'Lost On Me' follows the... 9 years 9 months ago