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

Blur share new track 'There Are Too Many Of Us'

After the announcement of the first Blur album in 12 years last month, the band have now unveiled the second cut from their forthcoming release.... 11 years 5 months ago

My Morning Jacket share five new songs from forthcoming album 'The Waterfall'

Having already announced the details of their forthcoming seventh studio album 'The Waterfall', due out in the coming months, My Morning Jacket have... 11 years 5 months ago

David Rodigan named as "Lifetime Resident" for Bestival & Camp Bestival

With the line-up announcements for Bestival and little sister Camp Bestival now under way, stalwart DJ David Rodigan has been named a "Lifetime... 11 years 5 months ago

Lion Babe unveil new single 'Wonder Woman'

New York duo Lion Babe, aka Jillian Harvey and Lucas Goodman, have unveiled their latest single 'Wonder Woman'. Produced by Pharrell Williams, '... 11 years 5 months ago

Of Monsters And Men announce new album 'Beneath The Skin'

After four years since the release of their debut record, Icelandic outfit Of Monsters And Men have now announced a new studio album for later this... 11 years 5 months ago

Django Django share new track 'Reflections'

With their highly anticipated new album 'Born Under Saturn' due out later this year, Django Django have now unveiled another cut from their... 11 years 5 months ago

Years & Years announce debut album 'Communion'

Fresh off the back of their first UK number one single for 'King', Years... 11 years 5 months ago

The Prodigy unveil new track 'Wall Of Death'

With their sixth studio album 'The Day Is My Enemy' out later this month, The Prodigy have now unveiled the latest cut from their forthcoming release... 11 years 5 months ago

Bloc Party announce new album

In a recent interview with Australian radio station Triple J, Bloc Party's Kele announced that they have already begun recording their next studio... 11 years 5 months ago