Jet Black

Infobox musical artist
Name = Jet Black


Img_capt = Jet Black performing with The Stranglers at the 2006 Bestival
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Background = non_vocal_instrumentalist
Birth_name = Brian John Duffy
Alias = Jet Black
Born = Birth date and age|1938|8|26|df=yes
Died =
Origin = Ilford, Essex, England
Instrument = Drums
Genre = Jazz, Punk, New Wave
Occupation = Professional drummer; electronic drum programmer
Years_active = Early 1970s - present
Label = EMI (as per The Stranglers)
Associated_acts = The Stranglers
URL =
Current_members =
Past_members =
Notable_instruments =

Jet Black (born Brian John Duffy, 26 August 1938, [ [http://bittersuiteband.com/music_birthdays-august.htm August Birthdays And Deaths, Musician Birthdates, Celebrity Deaths ] ] [ [http://www.multinet.no/~jonarne/Hjemmesia/Favorittartister/the_stranglers/the_stranglers.htm The Stranglers ] ] Ilford, Essex) is an English drummer and one of the founder members of punk rock / new wave band The Stranglers. [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/totp2/artists/s/stranglers/located/page1.shtml Top of the Pops 2] - Where Are They Now?]

Career

Early years

Black was a successful businessman up until the mid-1970s, owning a fleet of ice cream vans, [ [http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1G1-137712305.html Western Mail (Cardiff, Wales)] - The Stranglers.(News)] and an off-licence in Guildford, called 'The Jackpot'. This establishment was the base for the early Stranglers. [ [http://www.virginradio.co.uk/music/artists/the_stranglers/ Virgin Radio] - Stranglers biography]

He became a full-time professional musician in the mid 1970s and applied to join the Hugh Cornwell-led band Johnny Sox after reading an advertisement in the Melody Maker magazine. [ [http://www.musicianguide.com/biographies/1608002835/The-Stranglers.html Musician Guide] - The Stranglers Lyrics and Biography] Johnny Sox would later evolve into The Stranglers. [ [http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-21143906_ITM Access My Library] - TRIBUTE - THE STRANGLERS: The stranglers' timeline.(Chronology)]

Later years

His style is usually simplistic and jazz-influenced, [ [http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/release/6qzf/ BBC Music] - 'Norfolk Coast' review] although "Duchess", and "Down in the Sewer", are examples of some of the frantic drumming songs The Stranglers have recorded.

In the mid 1980s, Black elected to cease playing acoustic drums in the recording studio and used a Simmons kit triggered by pick-ups, most notably on the "Feline" and "Aural Sculpture" albums.

Black is still currently drumming for The Stranglers, despite his advancing years. [ [http://www.sundaymail.co.uk/tv-showbiz-news/music-news/2008/04/13/stranglers-sign-up-for-t-in-the-park-78057-20381086/ Sunday Mail] - Stranglers sign up for T in the Park]

Views on The Stranglers

He has said he is particularly fond of "The Raven" album because it was "the first time [The Stranglers] got major critical approval in the newspapers." ["The Raven" album (2001 CD re-release) sleeve notes]

He wrote a short book, "Much Ado About Nothing", which detailed the riots in France which were blamed on The Stranglers' presence in 1981.

Customised equipment

During a long career in music, Black, like many other drummers, became aware of certain practical limitations inherent in the basic kit design and set about addressing the issue in the form of the now patented 'Jet Black Power Bass Drum Pedal'. This has brought new freedoms of comfort and technical feasibility to drummers. The 'Jet Black Power Bass Drum Pedal' enables the bass drum to be placed anywhere and yet remain playable. [ [http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/6201173-description.html Patent Storm] - system for remotely playing a percussion musical instrument] [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/low/sci/tech/381958.stm Business fund for bright ideas] - BBC News Online: Sci/Tech]

Illness

In March 2007, it was announced on The Stranglers' website that he was suffering from atrial fibrillation and consequently refrained from appearing with the band until he had recovered. He played a full Stranglers concert in early June and is now regularly playing with the band again, although he is unable to travel very long distances at present.

His temporary replacement was Ian Barnard, who is also his full-time drum tech.

In June 2008, he was absent from several Stranglers gigs. [ [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2008/06/16/bmpistols116.xml Sex Pistols at Isle of Wight: More parent than punk] - Daily Telegraph] It was shortly thereafter announced that he was suffering from chest problems and was "not rushing back to work" on the advice of his doctor. This information was announced by Black himself on The Stranglers' website.

Honour campaign

In 2008, an online petition on the British Government website campaigning for him to be included in the next list of honours attracted 477 signatures and was mentioned in the national press. [ [http://www.economist.com/world/britain/displaystory.cfm?story_id=11053170 The Economist] - The internet and politics: Semi-connected]

Personal life

His second wife, Helena, left him following several arguments over the presence of The Stranglers rehearsing in their home during the early days of the band.Hugh Cornwell - A Multitude of Sins - ISBN 0007193254]

He has apparently had no contact with former Stranglers singer Hugh Cornwell since he left the band in 1990. According to Cornwell's 2004 autobiography, when he telephoned Black to announce his resignation, the latter's response was simply 'OK, fine.'

He is of Irish ancestry and currently lives in Tetbury, Gloucestershire.

References

* The Great Rock Discography - 5th Edition - ISBN 1-84195-017-3
* Guinness Rockopedia - ISBN 0-85112-072-5

External links

* [http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/JetBlack/ Prime Minister's office] - petition to get Jet Black honoured
* [http://www.rock-interviews.com/pageart.php?page=artistes/JetBlack&id=6&lang=eng Video Interviews with Jet Black November 2007]