John Bradbury

John "Brad" Bradbury (16 February 1953 – 28 December 2015) was an English musician and record producer. He is best known as the drummer in the English ska group The Specials, and co-wrote "The Selecter", a joint "A" side with "Gangsters".

Early life and education

John Bradbury was born and grew up in Coventry. He attended Kingston-upon-Hull Regional College of Art where he was awarded a bachelor's degree in Fine Art, and Aston University where he gained a PGCE.

Career

He joined The Special AKA when the original Specials split in 1981; they had a Top 10 hit with "Free Nelson Mandela". He was the main instigator. During the lifespan of the Special AKA, he also headed a band called JB's Allstars - a soul revue influenced by Bradbury's enthusiasm for Northern soul - releasing several singles on 2-Tone.

Bradbury participated in the The Specials reunion tour in 2009.

Bradbury died on 28 December 2015.

Influences

Bradbury cited his main influences as Al Jackson Jr., and Sly Dunbar.