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John Bradbury
1953 - 2015
John Bradbury
1953 - 2015
Obituary
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BORN
1953
DIED
2015
John Bradbury Obituary
The band members announced in a statement on their website, thespecials.com, that he died Monday. No cause of death was announced.
"Brad's drumming was the powerhouse behind The Specials, and it was seen as a key part to the Two Tone Sound," the statement reads. "He was much respected in the world of drumming and his style of reggae and ska was seen as genuinely groundbreaking when The Specials first hit the charts in 1979. He was an integral part of The Specials," which formed anew in 2008.
"His contribution to the world of music cannot be understated," the statement continues.
The band also announced the news via Twitter. The tweet accompanied a photograph of Bradbury, who was seated behind his drum kit.
"It is with deep regret that we say goodbye to our great friend, the world's greatest drummer, our beloved Brad. RIP," the band tweeted.
Bradbury, also known as J.B., was born Feb. 16, 1953, in Coventry, England. After graduating from college, he joined the group in 1979 following the departure of the band's original drummer and co-founder, Silverton Hutchinson. When the original Specials split up in 1981, he played with The Special AKA, which notched a top-10 hit with "Free Nelson Mandela."
The Specials, clad in retro garb that included loafers, pork pie hats and mohair suits, played ska music in a danceable style.
Bradbury is credited with co-writing the song "The Selecter."
30 Entries
Debbie
October 27, 2018
i went to southfields school with him he was the most hansome and the most popular boy in our year if not the whole school i used to follow him home from schoolhe never knew i had a crush on him along with every other girl rip john Debbie coventry
Rick Johnson - Specials fan
Rick Johnson
June 15, 2017
I was fortunate enough to meet Brad when The Specials toured the West Coast in 2013. I met him in the lobby of their hotel in San Diego, CA. He was extremely nice and friendly, and signed all my Specials albums for me. He even took a few photos and asked my opinion of the band's set list that night. I was thrilled. We spoke about his passion for soul music, Stax Records and things like that. I came away from that meeting totally thrilled. Here was someone who I had admired from afar for 30+ years, and who exceeded my expectations when I finally met him. His drumming was also excellent in the shows I saw, but what I will remember is his enthusiam for life and for his music. He was so full of life, and so very, very cool.
I had the chance to see them again in DC later that year. I had purchased the 9 CD Stax/Volt Box Set from a second hand store to give to Brad when I saw him again, because he had spoken so fondly about old 60's soul music when I saw him in California. Once again, I caught up with him at the hotel as the band was preparing to leave for Philly. I gave the box set to Brad, and he was genuinely touched. He seemed so happy to get it. He said "I didn't even know this existed!" The band was ready to leave and he got my email address and asked if I was going to the show in Philly that night. I said I was. He asked if I needed anything, like tickets or whatnot. I said I had tickets and I would see them there. For some reason, it may have been because the Trayvon Martin verdict was about to be released, I turned the car around and drove back to North Carolina, thinking I would see them again. Well, I never had that opportunity as Roddy Radiation left the band shortly thereafter and then Brad passed away at the end of 2015. I remember being devastated, and feeling so very sorry for his family. He was so happy and full of life. Even now, I feel sadness and disappointment. Best to you and your family, Brad. You were one of a kind and I was you peace. Rick Johnson [email protected]
May 7, 2017
A memory - We used to sit together in geography class at binley park school - he was very popular and a true gent even then ! I think my sister fancied him!
I played football he the drums we could hear him practicing in the neighborhood at week ends!!
God bless
How you can show support
Ray Moore
January 8, 2016
The Soul journey
Once upon a depth in time, where souls and hearts in rings of peace entwine.
A flashing spark of light divine, brought mind and bodies into line,
Somewhere in once upon a depth in time.
Once upon a journey's start, with mind and body and heart combined a whispered word of wisdom chimed,
go on go on, yourself you'll find you are now a child of your journey's time till end,
just a couple more new bends
Once upon a midway stop when all must make a crossroad swap you find your journey has no end,
you just look onward to another bend,
but as all things it will end, time to meet your celestial friends
Once upon your journey's stop, don't look back that's a far gone crop, from this illusion is but a hop,
Forget the tyrannies hates and wars time to find your journey's course, no more borders, waits or bars,
yes,yes your journey back to the stars
Micky lock
March 27, 2016
Nearly 50 jumping around the front room watching the 30th anniversary gig just like the first time I saw and heard that ska beat as 13 year old kid thanks I've lived my life to John's beat ever since
January 12, 2016
Revelasion 21.3.4.5.es en la promesa que todos esperamos
Dave
January 11, 2016
A hero in my youth, then as reached middle age, he's back with the Specials again 2009
Great Memories
Legend
God Bless Rip
January 8, 2016
A man of great skill and inspiration, a pleasure 2 watch him at work,may he rest in peace and love,x, ARCH,Coventry.
Ray Moore
January 8, 2016
The Soul journey
Once upon a depth in time, where souls and hearts in rings of peace entwine.
A flashing spark of light divine, brought mind and bodies into line,
Somewhere in once upon a depth in time.
Once upon a journey's start, with mind and body and heart combined a whispered word of wisdom chimed,
go on go on, yourself you'll find you are now a child of your journey's time till end,
just a couple more new bends
Once upon a midway stop when all must make a crossroad swap you find your journey has no end,
you just look onward to another bend,
but as all things it will end, time to meet your celestial friends
Once upon your journey's stop, don't look back that's a far gone crop, from this illusion is but a hop,
Forget the tyrannies hates and wars time to find your journey's course, no more borders, waits or bars,
yes,yes your journey back to the stars
Ray Moore
January 8, 2016
Ray Moore
Clare Mitchell
January 4, 2016
You will be missed by so many people. Condolences to your family. xx
Barbara Pugh
January 1, 2016
My heartfelt condolences to both the musical family and blood relatives of John Bradbury! May you find comfort in your memory of John as a very talented and highly recognized musician who will be fondly missed. Most of all, cherish the promise at John 6:40.
Emma From
December 31, 2015
Bradbury family I am so sorry to hear of the lost of such a great drummer. May you be comforted at this painful time by a God who cares.
December 31, 2015
To all hen fiends not men smile of Mr. Bradbury, my condolences. May God Almigthy give you all the strength and peace of mind to cope with your sorrow. Romans 15:13
December 30, 2015
Wot to do for the rest of the band with someone that knows the ins & outs of all the specials tracks.Legend-definitely gunna be missed by the band.A respectable humble man-without the ego you get with some artists these days. Big Repect RIP.
December 30, 2015
Condolences to family and friends.
December 30, 2015
So sorry for your loss 1Pet. 5:7 "Throw your anxiety upon God because he cares for you".
December 30, 2015
There are no words to ease your pain, so we are offering a silent prayer that the Lord will draw all of you near and give you peace and comfort in the midst of this sorrow.
Ruby
December 30, 2015
Revulation21: 3 4. 5 . For comfort to all.
December 30, 2015
My sincere condolences to the family for the loss of your loved one. May prayers strengthen you and memories comfort you, and may our Lord Jesus Christ and God our Father, who loves us, comfort your hearts and "make you firm". (2 Thessalonians 2:16, 17)
December 30, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Jeneva Thomas
December 30, 2015
I'm sorry for your loss
Tammy Davis
December 30, 2015
My condolence go out to the family of Mr.John Bradbury. Prayers are with you during this time.
December 30, 2015
To the family and friends of J Bradbury,
May your cherished memories sustain you during this time of sadness.
Walt J.
December 29, 2015
Thousands of people have enjoyed themselves to your blessed beats over the years. Millions more will in the years to come. Maximum respect to you JB. May the awareness of the enduring joy his loving life gave to others be of comfort to his family in their grief.
December 29, 2015
May good memories provide solace for Mr. Bradbury's family and friends during this challenging time and may God provide you with the assurance that you will see your loved one again. (John 17:3)
Harry Simpson
December 29, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
B Lucas
December 29, 2015
To play music shows talent with a instrument, when people show interest in what you play it shows that you can move them emotionally. That kind of ability isn't the possession of most people, how good it is to be a witness to it.
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