The Stranglers drummer Jet Black has died, aged 84.
The sticksman, who was born Brian Duffy, was a founding member of the Guildford band and carried out with them till 2015. He introduced his retirement just a few years later attributable to unwell well being.
He handed away at his residence on Tuesday (December 6) at his nation residence in Wales. He leaves behind his spouse Ava, and his two kids Charlotte and Anthony.
Saying his demise on Twitter, the band stated: “It’s with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our expensive pal, colleague and band elder statesman Jet Black. Jet died peacefully at residence surrounded by his household. Fond adieu, fly straight JB.”
It’s with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our expensive pal, colleague and band elder statesman Jet Black. Jet died peacefully at residence surrounded by his household. Fond adieu, fly straight JB.x
Learn extra: https://t.co/vz0RJDme7X pic.twitter.com/XLrcgoCkxr— The Stranglers (Official) (@StranglersSite) December 8, 2022
Bassist and co-frontman JJ Burnel added: “The welcoming committee has doubled. After years of unwell well being Jet has lastly been launched. He was a power of nature. An inspiration. The Stranglers wouldn’t have been if it wasn’t for him. Probably the most erudite of males. A insurgent with many causes. Say hello to [late keyboard player] Dave [Greenfield] for me.”
Baz Warne, the band’s guitarist and co-frontman additionally expressed his disappointment.
He stated: “I liked Jet. He took me below his wing over twenty years in the past and I by no means actually got here out from below it. I’m so very unhappy he’s gone. He hadn’t been too effectively for some time, however once I spoke to him most not too long ago, three weeks in the past, he was laughing and wanting to listen to all of the information…nonetheless and concerned. It’s been my privilege to have identified and labored with him, and to have referred to as him a pal, and I’ll miss him till the top of my days. Relaxation in peace large man.”
Former frontman Hugh Cornwall who left the band in 1990, additionally posted an announcement on Twitter.
An announcement from Hugh Cornwell concerning the passing of Jet Black: https://t.co/NALk4hdqVE
— Hugh Cornwell (@HughCornwell) December 8, 2022
He wrote: “It’s with nice disappointment I’ve learnt that Jet Black has handed away. We shared a particular interval of our lives once we strived to grow to be skilled musicians. The Stranglers success was based on his dedication and drive. His timing was faultless. All energy to him and his legacy.”
When The Stranglers shaped in west Surrey in 1974, Black owned a fleet of ice cream vans which the band used as a tour bus throughout one in all their early excursions. In addition they used his store as their headquarters.
In 2007, the band introduced that Black was struggling with coronary heart points and he took a step again from performing, being quickly changed by his drum technician.
He resumed his duties full-time for the band’s excursions in 2010 and 2011, however the next yr he was taken to hospital after falling unwell simply earlier than he was due on stage in Oxford. He lastly retired after he stopped performing in 2015.
RIP Jet Black x pic.twitter.com/K307U1L6xp
— Paul Arthurs. (@BoneheadsPage) December 8, 2022
Black’s demise came to visit two years keyboardist Dave Greenfield died on the age of 71 after testing constructive for COVID-19.
