“He fought & fought & fought, Roger was a fighter,” the band wrote in tribute to their vocalist
The Beat vocalist Ranking Roger has died, aged 56.
The musician, real name Roger Charlery, passed away earlier today (March 26). A post on The Beat’s Facebook page confirmed his passing, adding: “He fought & fought & fought, Roger was a fighter.
“Roger’s family would like to thank everyone for their constant support during this tough time,” the post concluded. See it below.
“He fought & fought & fought, Roger was a fighter.” Sadly Roger past away a few hours ago peacefully at his home…
Posted by The Beat on Tuesday, March 26, 2019
Roger was diagnosed with two brain tumours and lung cancer following a mini stroke he suffered in August 2018.
Roger, who was born in Birmingham in 1963, was best known for his work in The Beat (known in North America as ‘The English Beat’), who released three albums during their first period together: ‘I Just Can’t Stop It’ (1980), ‘Wha’ppen?’ (1981) and ‘Special Beat Service’ (1982). Among their best-known songs are the likes of ‘Stand Down Margaret’, ‘Mirror In The Bathroom’ and ‘Drowning’.
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As well as The Beat, Roger was also a prominent member of General Public, who he co-fronted with The Beat’s Dave Wakeling. He also released a string of solo albums, kicking off in 1988 with ‘Radical Departure’. Roger also regularly performed live with Sting.
A biography about Roger’s life in music, which he co-wrote, will be published later this year.
Tributes to Roger have been pouring in on social media since the news of his passing was confirmed earlier this evening – see a selection of those below.
@NevilleStaple @NevilleStaple on Instagram says:
Me with my super friend @rankingroger & Murphy at Roger’s last ever show.
I’m devastated to lose Roger, my Special Beat partner!… https://t.co/lEyYISUMXV
— Neville Staple (@NevilleStaple) March 26, 2019
Very sorry to hear that Ranking Roger has passed away. Rest easy, Rude Boy https://t.co/dQXifw7J9c
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) March 26, 2019
R.I.P
Ranking Roger
Big Love
UB40 pic.twitter.com/QOdb5EsLfb— UB40 (@UB40OFFICIAL) March 26, 2019
Rest In Peace Ranking Roger. An original inspiration, a rebel to the very end and an absolute gentleman always. It was an honour and privilege to share the stage and share conversations with this man. All love to the Charlery family and The Beat family. 🙏💚🔊 pic.twitter.com/iPV68nxa39
— The Skints (@theskints) March 26, 2019
Shocking news about Ranking Roger. I knew he’d been ill recently but never expected this. The Beat were a terrific band in a golden era for West Midlands music – and his toasting was a key part of it. RIP
— Adrian Goldberg (@GoldbergHome) March 26, 2019
RIP Ranking Roger. Had the pleasure of meeting him a while ago doing some behind the scenes filming during a photography shoot. An absolute legend! #RankingRoger #TheBeat pic.twitter.com/G9RQX9ckbn
— Jak Collier (@Jak_Collier) March 26, 2019
RIP @RankingRoger who sadly past away peacefully at home with family by his side early today. Roger was a fighter. ❤️💔 pic.twitter.com/lIOh2XwFwx
— The Beat (@TheBeat) March 26, 2019
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