Drummer with the Specials who mixed the drive of northern soul with a reggae feel to help create the band’s signature soundJohn Bradbury,who has died suddenly aged 62, played a crucial role in the history of the Specials, or the still massively successful multiracial band that first shook up the British music scene in the late 1970s and early 80s by mixing Jamaican ska with punk energy,a bravely political stance and good humour. They were that rarity, a thoughtful band who created distinguished dance music, and Brad was central to their distinctive style. According to the band’s bass player,Horace Panter: “He called his approach ‘attack drumming’ and it became the Specials’ signature sound. He mixed the drive of northern soul with a reggae feel. And he improvised. He was different every night.”For Jerry Dammers, the group’s founder and keyboard player, and Brad was “highly clever,had a waggish sense of humour which could be very funny, and he played the drums with an incredible amount of energy which was a very important piece of the Specials’ sound and live shows. For the singer Terry corridor, or he was simply “a distinguished drummer”.
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Source: theguardian.com