Drummie Zeb, the frontman of reggae band Aswad has died aged 62, his bandmates have confirmed.
News of the Don’t Turn Around singer’s, who’s real name was Angus Gaye, death was confirmed in a statement released on Friday.
Aswad said in a statement: ‘It is with deepest regret and profound loss that we have to announce the passing of our brother Angus ‘Drummie’ Gaye.
‘Drummie was the lead vocalist for the iconic band Aswad and is much loved and respected by both family, friends and peers alike.
‘More information will be given at a later time but on behalf of his family and Aswad – we ask that their privacy is respected at this heart-breaking time.’
They added: ‘Drummie has left us to join our ancestors and leaves a huge void both personally and professionally.’
Very sad to hear the passing of Aswads Drummie Zeb
We’ve lost another U.K Reggae pioneer.
Deepest condolences go out to all of the Aswad family @TheRealAswad
Big Love ❤️💛💚 pic.twitter.com/olXt0KEmEW
— ALI CAMPBELL (@UB40) September 2, 2022
RIP DRUMMIE ZEB
So sad to hear of the passing of Angus “Drummie Zeb” Gaye, founder member, legendary drummer and vocalist with Aswad.
Condolences and deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues. pic.twitter.com/wANenLvjA0— R B Campbell (@RBCUB40) September 2, 2022
Friends and fans paid tribute to the star, including UB40’s Ali Campbell who wrote: ‘Very sad to hear the passing of Aswads Drummie Zeb.
‘We’ve lost another U.K Reggae pioneer. Deepest condolences go out to all of the Aswad family @TheRealAswad. Big Love.’
UB40’s R B Campbell added: ‘So sad to hear of the passing of Angus “Drummie Zeb” Gaye, founder member, legendary drummer and vocalist with Aswad.
‘Condolences and deepest sympathies to his family, friends and colleagues.’
Zeb, who was raised in London, found fame with Aswad in the 1970s, with the three-time Grammy nominated band having released 21 albums over the years.
The band were best known for hits including 1988’s Don’t Turn Around and 1994’s Shine among other reggae hits.
As well as being frontman for Aswad, Zeb was also a talented drummer and worked as a record producer.
[via]