Remember the high energy performer of the early years of The Beat and the calmer Roger of the more recent incarnation of the band when the energy came from his son Ranking Junior. Last gig I saw was with The Selecter at The Roundhouse in 2017. Roger was always one cool dude. 'Mirror in the bathroom' might accompany on my desert island RIP
Having been to see the Beat a couple of times in recent years, it is hard to believe that such a force of energy, enthusiasm and happiness is gone. For those who only remember the old stuff, please take the time to check out their most recent albums, as they are at least comparable. https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=RDnkC-vEQRN8w&v=nkC-vEQRN8w
Was fortunate to see The Beat at many Ska gigs and as a stand alone group.A superb entertainer with quality songs. No age at all life can be so cruel sometimes. Rip Ranking Roger.
There's a great dub album of their biggest hits which is well worth a listen. Always had a slightly heavier roots sound, largely thanks to Roger's toasting.
Saw them a few times back in the 70s/80s and were a very tight live
RIP. The Beat at Hammersmith Palais some time around 1982-3 was one of the best gigs I've been to. I thought he was older so was shocked to read he was only 56. Way too young.
RIP, always liked the Beat part of my youth, feels abit like one of our own has passed....might seem a strange thing to say but he was only a few years older then me and it feels that way.
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https://heavy.com/entertainment/2019/03/ranking-roger-dead/
RIP
Rip Ranking Roger.
Such a great singer in such a great band
There's a great dub album of their biggest hits which is well worth a listen. Always had a slightly heavier roots sound, largely thanks to Roger's toasting.
Saw them a few times back in the 70s/80s and were a very tight live
Loved The Beat, will be playing Ranking Full Stop in my head all day.
RIP.
One word. Magic!