Aswad singer Drummie Zeb dead: Lead vocalist passes away aged 62 as band say he 'leaves a huge void'

• e-mail

Aswad singer Drummie Zeb has died at the age of 62.

The reggae band announced the death of their frontman in a Facebook statement on Friday as they paid tribute to the musician and confirmed more details will be released at a later time.

His cause of death has not been announced.  

Aswad singer Drummie Zeb has died: The lead vocalist passed away aged 62 the band revealed as they released a statement saying he 'leaves a huge void' (pictured in 2021) 

The statement read: '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.

'Drummie has left us to join our ancestors and leaves a huge void both personally and professionally.' 

Sad news: The reggae band's frontman passed away aged 62 and the group announced the news in a statement which was released on Friday (pictured with Brinsley Forde and Tony Gad Various)

Tribute: The band confirmed in a Facebook statement that more details will be released at a later time. His cause of death has not been announced

Members of UB40 were quick to pay tribute, with frontman Ali Campbell mourning the loss of the 'reggae pioneer'.

Ali tweeted: 'Very sad to hear the passing of Aswad's Drummie Zeb. We’ve lost another U.K Reggae pioneer. Deepest condolences go out to all of the Aswad family @TheRealAswad. Big Love'. 

Vocalist Matt Hoy also paid tribute, tweeting: RIP Drummie.. Very sad news!!  #Aswad', while Robin Campbell added: '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.' 

 

Tragic: Members of UB40 were quick to pay tribute, with frontman Ali Campbell mourning the loss of the 'reggae pioneer

Drummie was brought up in London and rose to fame with Aswad in the 1970s with the group releasing 21 albums over the years and landing three Grammy Award nominations.

As well as being a singer and talented drummer, Drummie also worked as a record producer.

Aswad's hits included 1988's Don't Turn Around, 1994 chart classic Shine and Give a Little Love and they famously performed with Sir Cliff Richard in 1989 putting on a rendition of Share a Dream at Wembley Stadium in London.

Iconic: Drummie was brought up in London and rose to fame with Aswad in the 1970s with the group releasing 21 albums over the years (pictured in 1988)  

The group underwent a line-up shift in 1996 which left Drummie and Tony 'Gad' Robinson to continue Aswad as a duo.

In the late 1990s, Aswad toured with The Wailers and Drummie was later drafted in a replacement drummer for the group. He went on to tour with singer Kenny Chesney after meeting him while recording a collaboration with The Wailers.

Aswad released their last album - City Lock - in 2009. Drummie was a dad to six children and one grandchild.

Sad loss: Aswad released their last album - City Lock - in 2009. Drummie was a dad to six children and one grandchild (pictured in 2018)