"It is with deep regret that we say goodbye to our great friend, the world's greatest drummer, our beloved Brad. RIP."

John Bradbury was born in Coventry. He joined The Specials in 1979 after original drummer Silverton Hutchinson left the band.

John filled in for Hutchinson at the recording session for the single Gangsters and was made a permanent member quickly after.

Along with contemporary groups like Madness and English Beat, The Specials shook up the British music scene by mixing Jamaican ska and rocksteady with punk energy and elements of new wave.

The Specials had seven hits in the UK top 10, including A Message to You, Rudy and Too Much Too Young.

John Bradbury stayed with The Specials through many line-up changes until they split in 1981. Next he joined the re-versioned band, The Special AKA, and stayed with the band through to their dissolution in 1984.

After the break-up, John formed the band JB's Allstars, and joined bands including Special Beat and Selecter.

John Bradbury agreed to participate in The Specials' 2009 reunion tour and continued to play with the band, including a North America tour in 2013.