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Roger Charlery, the singer of the Beat and General Public better known as Ranking Roger, has died at the age of 56.
Charlery died Tuesday at home surrounded by his family, according to a statement posted on the Beat's website.
He said, "He's beaten and beaten and beaten, Roger was a fighter. Unfortunately, Roger died peacefully a few hours ago at home, surrounded by his family.
"Roger's family would like to thank everyone for their continued support during this difficult time. More to follow in the next days. RIP ROGER!
It was revealed in January that the singer born in Birmingham had been diagnosed with two brain tumors and one lung cancer. He suffered a stroke last summer.
Charlery founded The Beat in Birmingham in 1978. The group fused traditional ska with elements of pop, new wave, punk rock and Latin and became a pioneer of the two-tone genre.
The band released three studio albums in the early 1980s: I Just Can not Stop It It (1980), Wha'ppen? (1981) and Special Beat Service (1982). Beat's greatest hits include Mirror in the Bathroom, Too Nice To Talk To, and cover versions of Can not Get Habit to Losing You and Tears of a Clown.
The Beats were the most popular in the United States and Canada, where the group was known as English Beat for legal reasons and to avoid confusion with the American pop-rock band The Beat.
Musician and activist Billy Bragg paid tribute to Charlery, who has played in bands with members of Specials and Dexys Midnight Runners over his forty-year career. Bragg said, "I am really sorry to learn that Ranking Roger is dead. Stay calm, Rude Boy. "
Matt Hoy, traveling singer at UB40, offered his condolences to the Charlery family. In a post on Instagram, he wrote: "Rest in peace, ranking Roger, what sad news! Charming guy … way too young !! Condolences to his family. "
Pauline Black, who directed the Selector, a two-color rebirth group, also paid tribute. She posted a short excerpt from Hamlet where it was written, "Good night, good prince. And flights of angels will sing to you at rest.
Reggae band UB40 tweeted: "Roger R.I.P. Rankings, Big Love"
Despite the health problems, Charlery published an album, Public Confidential, in January and completed a dissertation, which will be released this spring.
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