Another sad bit of news coming in from the world of punk - drummer and founder member of The Stranglers, a.k.a. The Men In Black - Jet Black, died on Tuesday at the age of 84.
Born Brian Duffy in Ilford, Essex in 1938, Black was a successful businessman before he became a professional musician, running a fleet of ice cream vans and an off-licence in Guildford. In fact, it was above this shop that the Stranglers got to rehearse in, in the early days.
The band formed in 1974, with Black already 36, and were initially known as The Guildford Stranglers, before soon dropping the Guildford bit. Although perhaps musically best known for JJ Burnel's driving and melodic bass and Dave Greenfield's often jazzy keyboard riffs, Black provided a steady and powerful backing for forty odd years. He had been a semi-professional drummer in the late 1950s and early 60s, before concentrating on his business concerns to earn some money.
Although born of the pub rock scene, the Stranglers, with their no nonsense approach and aggressive attitude, made them a good fit with the punk scene - although their playing ability was far above that of many of the DIY punk bands they toured with. They stayed relevant beyond the 70s by evolving their style to become more mature and sophisticated in their writing, adding more melody and a bit less crunch to the music.
Ill health, in the form of atrial fibrillation, affected him from the late 2000's, and at first limited him to playing gigs only in the UK, before finally retiring from playing completely in 2015.
News of Blacks' death came on the bands Facebook page earlier on Thursday evening.
It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear friend, colleague and band elder statesman Jet Black.
Jet died peacefully at home surrounded by his family.
Feel free to leave your memories and tributes in the comments here. Please respect the family’s privacy at this difficult time.
Fond adieu, fly straight JB.x
Tributes have been paid by his former bandmates, with bass player, Jean Jacques Brunel, adding:
"The welcoming committee has doubled. After years of ill health Jet has finally been released. He was a force of nature. An inspiration. The Stranglers would not have been if it wasn't for him. The most erudite of men. A rebel with many causes.
Say hi to Dave [Greenfield - keyboard player who died two years ago] for me."
Current vocalist Baz Warne paid beautiful tribute:
"I loved Jet Black. He took me under his wing over two decades ago, and I've stayed there pretty much ever since. He could be in turns, cantankerous and stoic, yet very warm and thoughtful...and never less than great to be with. We laughed long and hard at the absurdity of the world...especially our world...he loathed the music business, but loved playing his drums...and I have fond memories of looking behind me onstage and getting that wink..."everything is ok and I’m enjoying this" it said.
He lived at least 10 life times, and for that, we should all be grateful...I know I am.
He hadn't been in the best of health for some time, and I usually spoke to him every 6 weeks or so. When I did, he always sounded in great spirits, and the last time, around 3 weeks ago, we laughed...as always...and I said I’d try and get across to see him...that’s not gonna happen now JB, and that makes me incredibly sad..."
Original Stranglers vocalist, Hugh Cornwell, who Black reputedly never spoke to again after Cornwell announced he was leaving the band in 1990, posted his own tribute on Facebook:
"It is with great sadness I have learnt that Jet Black has passed away.
We shared a special period of our lives when we strived to become professional musicians.
We were immediately drawn to one another, he had a singular sense of purpose that I identified with.
He threw everything in his previous life out, to dedicate himself to our common goal.
Our birthdays were 2 days apart, so we were quite similar.
The Stranglers success was founded on his determination and drive.
His timing was faultless.
All power to him and his legacy."
Hugh Cornwell 8/12/2022
Jet Black had apparently been an enthusiastic furniture maker in later life. Married several times, he leaves behind his wife Ava and two children. He died 'peacefully' at his home in Wales on Tuesday.
Something Better Change - https://youtu.be/QTIhiyurWEc
No More Heroes - https://youtu.be/Db0VB_MmeK0 (this is a notable performance from Dutch TV, because they aren't taking it very seriously - in fact everyone is miming, having swapped instruments. Here, Black 'plays' lead guitar.)