The Beat singer Ranking Roger dies, aged 56

Roger Charlery, who was the vocalist of the bands The Beat and General Public, has died aged 56.

Better known by his stage name Ranking Roger, Charlery died on Tuesday at home. According to a statement on The Beat's website, he was surrounded by his family at the time of his death.

The statement said: “He fought & fought & fought, Roger was a fighter. Sadly Roger passed 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!”

It had previously been revealed back in January that the Birmingham-born singer had been diagnosed with two brain tumours and lung cancer. He suffered a stroke last summer.

Charlery was the founder of The Beat, which was started in Birmingham in 1978. The band fused traditional ska music with elements of pop, new wave, punk rock and latin, and became a pioneering force in two-tone music.

The band released three studio albums in the early 1980s: I Just Can’t Stop It (1980), Wha’ppen? (1981) and Special Beat Service (1982). Among the Beat’s biggest hits were 'Mirror in the Bathroom', 'Too Nice to Talk To' and their cover versions of 'Can’t Get Used to Losing You' and 'Tears of a Clown'.

Among those who paid tribute to Ranking Roger were London ska band The Skints:

Rest In Peace Ranking Roger. An original inspiration, a rebel to the very end and an absolute gentleman always. It was an honour and privilege to share the stage and share conversations with this man. All love to the Charlery family and The Beat family. 🙏💚🔊 pic.twitter.com/iPV68nxa39

— The Skints (@theskints) March 26, 2019

Billy Bragg also paid tribute to the singer in a post on Twitter:

Very sorry to hear that Ranking Roger has passed away. Rest easy, Rude Boy https://t.co/dQXifw7J9c

— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) March 26, 2019