R.I.P. Ranking Roger

[Sbbruin 21861]

Bummer.  Iconic.

Quote

Sad news in the music scene, and this one hurts, Roger Charlery, a.k.a. Rankin Roger of the Beat and General Public has died of the age of 56. It was revealed that back in December/January that he had a stroke last Summer, then was diagnosed with two brain tumors and lung cancer. In the video where he revealed the news, his outlook was positive and to fight it. As his official Facebook page posted: “He fought & fought & fought, Roger was a fighter.” Let’s crank Roger’s music tonight and listen to it loudly, and dance to it hard! Rest Easy Roger!

Roger just released an excellent album Public Confidential, but he’s also released another excellent ska album with his versions of the Beat Bounce a few years ago. It was announced a few weeks ago that he finished his biography with his co-writer, Daniel Rachel and the book will be published by Omnibus Press this spring or early summer.

I wish I got the chance to see Roger perform live, especially with The English Beat but I would have been happy seeing him perform either Beat bands honestly. Time to go listen to some music from Roger.

 

[Carl Spackler 3486]

Came here to post the news, but Bruin beat me to it.  I was a big fan of the English Beat's first three albums, as well as General Public.  Save It For Later remains one of my favorite songs of all time.  Fuck cancer.

[Hate 20113]

That's a shame.  The 80's are starting to die now.  RIP.

[TwiceHorn 31495]

Bummer.

Did not know this.  Wakeling runs/fronts The English Beat in US appearances.  Roger fronted The Beat in the UK.

The great Andy Willams cover.

 

Edited March 27, 2019 by TwiceHorn

[smuggs 9353]

8 hours ago, Carl Spackler said:

Came here to post the news, but Bruin beat me to it.  I was a big fan of the English Beat's first three albums, as well as General Public.  Save It For Later remains one of my favorite songs of all time.  Fuck cancer.

 

Save it For Later and Tenderness are two of a handful of songs that my wife won't tell me to turn down when I have them cranked to ear-splitting volume in the house.

Getting old sucks. RIP.

 

[PencilPusher 454]

Because they were mentioned and two of my faves from the era

RIP Ranking Roger........

[Bullneck 19168]

 

 

[TwiceHorn 31495]

Special Beat Service is a great album. 

[hullabelew 3724]

Even though this thread is 2 years old....this is probably my favorite.  I first sought them out seeing Sting wearing on of their t-shirts.  This song hooked me.

 

Edited April 26, 2021 by hullabelew

[smuggs 9353]

Their Smokey cover is legit.

 

 

[dogbreath 434]

There can never be enough English Beat memories.  This one scared my kids when they were young.