JB's Allstars

John "Brad" Bradbury
Born	John Bradbury Template:Birth date Coventry, England
Died	December 28, 2015(2015-12-28) (aged 62)
Other names	Brad Bradbury
Occupation(s)	Drummer, record producer
Years active	Late 1970s–2015
Known for	Drummer for the Specials

John "Brad" Bradbury (16 February 1953 – 28 December 2015) was a prominent English drummer and record producer, widely recognized for his role as the drummer in the English ska group the Specials.

Early life and education

Bradbury was born in Coventry to a father who worked as a council painter and decorator, while his mother was employed at Walsgrave Hospital. Influenced by his mother’s strong anti-racist convictions, he developed an early passion for drumming, receiving his initial drum kit at the age of eight. His exposure to northern soul music came through his sisters, which significantly influenced his musical preferences.

He attended Binley Park School before pursuing fine art studies at Hull School of Art and Design. Following a teaching qualification course in Birmingham, Bradbury taught both art and English. During this time, he became part of a group of former art students and music enthusiasts in Coventry, which included Jerry Dammers. While working at a Virgin record shop, he formed a close connection with singer Terry Hall.

Career

Bradbury joined the Specials after their original percussionist departed, making his first appearance on their successful single "Gangsters". He also contributed drums to the Selecter’s B-side track accompanying that release.

He played a crucial role in defining the Specials’ distinctive sound—a blend of Jamaican ska rhythms, punk intensity, politically charged lyrics, and dance influences—which gained significant popularity in late 1970s Britain. Bassist Horace Panter highlighted Bradbury’s "attack drumming" as a key element of the band’s identity, combining northern soul energy with reggae beats and improvisational flair.

While touring, the Specials attracted a wide-ranging audience despite facing hostility from far-right groups such as the National Front. Bradbury recalled how the band managed disruptions by drawing attention to troublemakers with spotlights, prompting crowd intervention.

Thanks to Bradbury’s contributions, the Specials emerged as one of Britain’s leading bands in 1979, achieving seven UK top 10 hits including two chart-toppers: "Too Much Too Young" and "Ghost Town". After the band disbanded in 1981, Bradbury collaborated with Dammers in Special AKA, producing politically motivated songs like "Nelson Mandela".

Dammers praised Bradbury’s intellect, wit, and dynamic drumming as essential to both the Specials’ sound and their live performances. Singer Terry Hall described him as "a great drummer".

JB's Allstars

Following the breakup of the Specials, Bradbury established JB's Allstars, a band influenced by northern soul. They released five singles, among them a charting cover of Mel & Tim's "Backfield in Motion" (1984). Their 1986 release "Alphabet Army," penned by Bradbury himself, emphasized the significance of educators.

Further activities

For more than two decades, Bradbury’s musical output slowed as he devoted himself to caring for his son Elliot while his wife Emily pursued a career in fashion. During this time, he also undertook work involving computer programming and maintenance.

The Specials reunion

Bradbury played a pivotal role in bringing the Specials back together without Dammers. Their reunion performance at Bestival in 2008 attracted large audiences and led to extensive touring throughout the UK, Europe, North America, and Asia. In 2011, they sold out London’s Alexandra Palace, with over 10,000 attendees singing along to "Ghost Town," a song that continues to resonate. The 2012 live album The Specials: More or Less highlighted both the band’s enduring popularity and Bradbury’s powerful drumming. He remarked on how the tracks remain pertinent due to their social commentary.

In 2014, the Specials played several London shows including three nights at the Roundhouse, followed by tours in Mexico and Chile during 2015. Plans were underway for a five-night engagement at London’s Troxy venue in 2016. Throughout this period, Bradbury maintained high energy levels and enthusiasm for creating new material—the first Specials recordings since the 1980s.

Death

Bradbury passed away at the age of 62 on 28 December 2015, just as The Specials were embarking on a new creative endeavor. He had been actively composing fresh material, with fellow band member Hall confirming that they had recently begun recording his contributions. He is survived by his wife Emily, to whom he was married in 1987, and their son Elliot, born in 1988.

Influences

Bradbury acknowledged Al Jackson Jr. and Sly Dunbar as his primary musical inspirations.

External links

• The Specials
• 2 Tone website