I couldn’t let the week end, without saying a few words about the death of Ranking Roger of The Beat that was announced a few days ago. As a Coventry kid, the Two Tone movement was an intrinsic part of my growing up.
I can’t do better than quote the words of Jerry Dammers of The Specials: “If one person had to be picked to epitomise everything that was good and positive about the British ska movement and its youthful spirit, I think it would have to be Roger. …his talent, boundless bouncing energy, humour, common sense politics. [He was] positive [with a] friendly attitude, and was an inspiration to anyone who ever met him or saw him perform. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.”
As it says in the photo: “Love Music, Hate Racism”