The Beat shared the sad news with their 18,000 Twitter followers, saying: “RIP @RankingRoger who sadly past away peacefully at home with family by his side early today. Roger was a fighter.”(sic) A message shared by the band on Facebook also said: “He fought and fought and 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!”(sic)
The musician, real name Roger Charlery, was best known as the vocalist for the British band and, later, for forming General Public.
Earlier this year, Ranking Roger said he had been diagnosed with two brain tumours and lung cancer.
He previously suffered a stop last summer, prompting The Beat to cancel their US and UK tour.
In January, Ranking Roger confirmed he had finished his biography, which will be published later this year.
Musical from an early age, he joined The Beatin the late 1970s and, after the band broke up in 1983, created General Public alongside Denys Midnight Runners’ Andy Growcott, Mickey Billingham and The Specials’ Horace Panter.
In the 1990s, Ranking Roger joined forces with members of The Specials to form Special Beat, who went on to release two live albums.
Tributes have poured in for the late star following the news of his death, with Billy Bragg writing on Twitter: “Very sorry to hear that Ranking Roger has passed away. Rest easy, Rude Boy.”
UB40 also tweeted: “RIP Ranking Roger. Big Love. UB40.”
The Skints added: “Rest In peace Ranking Roger. An original inspiration, a rebel to the very end and an absolute gentleman always.
“It was an honour and a privilege to share the stage and share the conversations with this man. All love to the Charlery family and The Beat family.”
More to follow…