THE Beat frontman Roger Charlery, who was best known as Ranking Roger, who has died at the age of 56.
The Birmingham-born singer died at home on Tuesday, surrounded by family.
As part of The Beat, Charlery spearheaded the two-tone movement with a distinctive vocal style influenced by the Jamaican rap technique of toasting.
The group enjoyed several top 10 hits, most famously Mirror in the Bathroom - before splitting in 1983.
Charlery went on to form supergroup General Public with members of Dexys Midnight Runners and The Specials. He and Dave Wakeling, the group's original frontman, each went on to form touring versions of the Beat.
The singer, who had played dates in Northern Ireland at venues including The Limelight and Belfast Féile in recent years, had suffered a stroke last summer and was reported to have been diagnosed with two brain tumours and lung cancer in recent months.
The statement on The Beat's website said of the singer's ill-health: "He fought & fought & fought, Roger was a fighter."
It added: "Roger's family would like to thank everyone for their constant support during this tough time."
Tweeting condolences, songwriter Billy Bragg wrote: "Rest easy, Rude Boy."
Mike Mills, one of the founding members of REM, who went on several tours with The Beat, said the singer had "brought a lot of joy into the world".
Matt Hoy, a touring vocalist with UB40, wrote on Instagram: "Rest in Peace Ranking Roger, such sad news!! Lovely guy... Way [too] young!! Condolences to his family."
British reggae band The Skints described Ranking Roger as "an original inspiration, a rebel to the very end and an absolute gentleman always".
Charlery's manager Tarquin Gotch said: "We have lost a wonderfully talented artist and great friend.
"It has been an enormous honour and privilege for us all to have been a part of his life."
