British musician Roger Charlery, best known by the moniker Ranking Roger, has died aged 56.
He was vocalist in the late 1970s/early 1980s ska revival band The Beat and later General Public. He recently led a reformed Beat line-up.
A statement released on The Beat's official Facebook page on Tuesday (March 26) said: "He fought & fought & fought, Roger was a fighter.
"Sadly Roger past away a few hours ago peacefully at his home surrounded by family. Roger's family would like to thank everyone for their constant support during this tough time. More to follow in the coming days. RIP ROGER!"
The band also tweeted the sad news to their followers.
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
In September 2018, The Beat told fans that Ranking Roger had been taken to hospital with a suspected mini stroke in early August. They subsequently cancelled all planned lived shows in the UK and US. It was later reported that he was diagnosed with brain tumours and lung cancer.
On March 15, the band tweeted that he had finished his biography while battling his health challenges.
They wrote: "While Roger has been dealing with his health challenges, he has still found time to finish his biography with his co-writer, Daniel Rachel, and thus he is very proud to announce that it will be published by Omnibus Press this spring or early summer."
While Roger has been dealing with his health challenges, he has still found time to finish his biography with his co-writer, Daniel Rachel, and thus he is very proud to announce that it will be published by Omnibus Press this spring or early summer (exact date TBA) pic.twitter.com/nlpuIOFIsK
— The Beat (@TheBeat) March 15, 2019
Tributes to the late musician have been paid on social media.
English singer-songwriter Billy Bragg said he was "very sorry" to hear the news.
Very sorry to hear that Ranking Roger has passed away. Rest easy, Rude Boy https://t.co/dQXifw7J9c
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) March 26, 2019
Actor Michael Smiley said The Beat were "a game changing band for the young me" and added that he was "an icon".
The Beat were a game changing band for the young me and they wouldn't have been half the band without Ranking Roger. He was an icon. God bless you and your family. So sad, rest in peace. https://t.co/DN1h0tZVuN
— Michael Smiley (@mrmichaelsmiley) March 26, 2019
American actor Michael McKean said Ranking Roger was "the heartbeat of The Beat".
Ranking Roger was the heartbeat of The Beat. RIP.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) March 26, 2019
UB40 wrote: "R.I.P Ranking Roger Big Love".
R.I.P
— UB40 (@UB40OFFICIAL) March 26, 2019
Ranking Roger
Big Love
UB40 pic.twitter.com/QOdb5EsLfb
