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'It is with deep regret we say goodbye': The Specials drummer John 'Brad' Bradbury passes away at the age of 62

Published: 15:37 GMT, 29 December 2015 | Updated: 18:27 GMT, 29 December 2015

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The Specials drummer John 'Brad' Bradbury has died at the age of 62 - the cause is currently unknown.

In a statement, his family said: 'It is with deepest regret that we have to announce the very sad news that our much loved husband and father John 'Brad' Bradbury passed away on Monday the 28th of December.

'Brad's drumming was the powerhouse behind The Specials and it was seen as a key part to the Two Tone sound.

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Sad news: The Specials drummer John Bradbury has died at the age of 62 - the cause is currently unknown

'He was much respected in the world of drumming and his style of reggae and SKA was seen as genuinely ground breaking when The Specials first hit the charts in 1979.

'He was an integral part of The Specials reforming in 2008 and toured with them extensively up to the present day.

'His contribution to the world of music can not be understated and he will much missed by family, friends and fans alike.

'It is the family's sincerest wish that they are allowed the time to remember him privately.'

Memorable music: John (bottom left) experienced several hits with the band and stayed with them when they reformed, as well as returning for their reunion tour

John joined the SKA band in 1979 and remained in the group when they reformed as The Special AKA.

The star, who had hits with Free Nelson Mandela, Ghost Town and Too Much Too Young, also rejoined the group for The Specials reunion tour in 2009.

After leaving the band, John continued to make music, and fronting his own group called JB Allstars.

Sending their sympathies: The band paid tribute to the star, tweeting: 'It is with deep regret that we say goodbye to our great friend, the world's greatest drummer, our beloved Brad. RIP'

Tributes: The star's best friend, Dave Skinner, shared a sweet photo of the pair together, writing: 'Farewell to the best friend any man could have. A true legend, I'm going to miss you. #RIPBrad'

Sad day: Musician Billy Bragg noted the sad timing of John's death coincided with the lead singer of Motorhead, Ian Fraser 'Lemmy' Kilmister who also died on Tuesday

The Specials also paid tribute to their drummer, tweeting: 'It is with deep regret that we say goodbye to our great friend, the world's greatest drummer, our beloved Brad. RIP.'

Kind messages from celebrity fans have begun to pour in for the star, with musician Billy Bragg noting the tragic coincidence that saw Motorhead frontman, Ian Fraser 'Lemmy' Kilmister also die on Tuesday.

'A bad day for good music. First we lose Lemmy, now news that Brad from the Specials has passed away. RIP' he tweeted.

Key member: John's family said his drumming was 'the powerhouse' behind The Specials, adding it was 'a key part to the Two Tone sound'

Regrets: In a statement, his family said: 'It is with deepest regret that we have to announce the very sad news that our much loved husband and father John 'Brad' Bradbury passed away on Monday the 28th of December

Footballing pundit, Tim Lovejoy also expressed his sympathies, posting: 'Well all miss you John Bradbury. Great drummer and a great friend. #RIPBrad'

And the star's best friend, Dave Skinner, shared a sweet photo of the pair together, writing: 'Farewell to the best friend any man could have. A true legend, I'm going to miss you. #RIPBrad'

The news comes three months after the death of the The Specials' trombonist, Rico Rodriguez, who died in September at the age of 80 following a short illness.

During John's time in The Specials, the group struck up a close friendship with the late Amy Winehouse, who would often join them on stage at gigs.

She also made a surprise appearance at V Festival in 2009, taking the stage with the Ska legends to perform a medley of their hits.