BRITISH musician Ranking Roger has sadly today passed away at the age of 56.

The reggae singer, whose real name is Roger Charlery, is best known for being in the band The Beat and later General Public.

4 In January this year it was revealed that Charlery was diagnosed with two brain tumours and lung cancer Credit: 2011 Marc Marnie

In a heartfelt statement, The Beat wrote on Twitter: "RIP @RankingRoger who sadly past away peacefully at home with family by his side early today. Roger was a fighter."

Roger's former bandmates said: "Roger's family would like to thank everyone for their constant support during this tough time. more to follow in the coming days. RIP Roger."

In January this year it was revealed that Charlery had suffered a stroke over the summer and was diagnosed with two brain tumours and lung cancer.

The late singer was born in Birmingham and became a Punk rock fan as a teen and went on to play the drums in the Nam Nam boys before joining ska revival band The Beat in the late 70s.

In the 1990s, he joined the band The Specials which he transformed into Special Beat which released two live albums.

Tributes have been pouring in for Roger, with many musicians and close friends extending their sympathy and condolences to the late singer's family.

4 The singer passed away peacefully at home with family by his side Credit: 2017 Lorne Thomson

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The Specials bassist Horace Panter tweeted: "So sad to hear this. Sincere condolences to Angie, his children and fellow band members. Too young. #RIP Roger... good memories! Horace & Clare X"

Singer Billy Bragg tweeted: "Very sorry to hear that ranking Roger has passed away. Rest easy, Rude Boy."

UB40 extended their condolences: "R.I.P Ranking Roger, Big Love UB40."

More to come...

4 The Beat pictured in 1981: Left to right are (back) Andy Cox, Ranking Roger, David Steele and Everett Morton (front) Dave Wakeling and Saxa Credit: 1981 Fin Costello

RIP @RankingRoger who sadly past away peacefully at home with family by his side early today. Roger was a fighter. ❤️💔 pic.twitter.com/lIOh2XwFwx — The Beat (@TheBeat) March 26, 2019

So sad to hear this. Sincere condolences to Angie, his children and fellow band members. Too young. #RIP Roger... good memories! Horace & Clare X https://t.co/TziOkLzrZJ — Horace Panter (@horacepanterart) March 26, 2019

Very sorry to hear that Ranking Roger has passed away. Rest easy, Rude Boy https://t.co/dQXifw7J9c — Billy Bragg (@billybragg) March 26, 2019

4 Ranking Roger pictured in 2016 at the Stubhub Q Awards Credit: Getty - Contributor

R.I.P



Ranking Roger



Big Love

UB40 pic.twitter.com/QOdb5EsLfb — UB40 (@UB40OFFICIAL) March 26, 2019

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