Jet Black facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jet Black
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Black performing with the Stranglers at the 2006 Bestival
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Brian John Duffy |
| Born | 26 August 1938 Ilford, Essex, England |
| Died | 6 December 2022 (aged 84) Wales |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Drums |
| Years active | 1974–2018 |
Brian John Duffy (born August 26, 1938 – died December 6, 2022), known as Jet Black, was a famous English drummer. He was one of the people who started the punk rock and new wave band called The Stranglers. He stopped playing with the band in 2015 and officially retired in 2018.
Contents
Jet Black's Music Career
Before becoming a full-time musician, Jet Black was a successful businessman. He owned many ice cream vans and a shop in Guildford called 'The Jackpot'. This shop was where The Stranglers first started practicing. He also owned one of the first companies that sold equipment for making drinks at home, which was popular back then.
In the mid-1970s, he became a full-time musician. He met Hugh Cornwell from a band called Johnny Sox after seeing an ad in a music magazine. Hugh Cornwell joined Jet Black to form The Stranglers in 1974.
Jet Black's Drumming Style
Jet Black's drumming style was usually simple and had a jazz influence. However, some Stranglers songs, like "Duchess" and "Down in the Sewer," show more energetic drumming. In the mid-1980s, he started using electronic drums in the studio. He used a Simmons kit that made sounds when triggered. This was used on albums like Feline and Aural Sculpture.
Jet Black played with The Stranglers until 2015. His retirement was confirmed by 2018. Fans often chanted his name at concerts. He really liked The Raven album because it was the first time critics praised The Stranglers in newspapers.
He wrote two short books about riots in France in 1981. These riots were linked to The Stranglers being there. The books were called Much Ado About Nothing and Seven Days in Nice.
Custom Drum Equipment
During his long music career, Jet Black noticed some problems with basic drum kits. He created and patented the 'Jet Black Power Bass Drum Pedal'. This special pedal lets the bass drum be placed anywhere while still being playable.
Health and Concert Absences
2007 to 2009
In March 2007, The Stranglers' website announced that Jet Black had a heart condition called atrial fibrillation. He did not perform with the band until he felt better. He returned in June but stopped performing outside the United Kingdom due to health issues from long travel. When Jet Black was absent, his drum technician, Ian Barnard, filled in for him.
In mid-2008, he missed more gigs because of chest problems. His doctor advised him not to rush back to work. In September 2008, he returned to rehearsals and started touring with the band again in October. For the 2010 and 2011 UK tours, Jet Black played at every concert. He performed full sets, which lasted about 90 minutes.
2012 to 2014
On March 12, 2012, Jet Black went to the hospital before a concert in Oxford. He was replaced by Ian Barnard again. The band said he had a "severe chest infection." He planned to rejoin the tour when he was well, but he did not due to a slow recovery.
The Stranglers' 2013 tour began with Jet Black playing the second half of the first night's show. He drummed on 10 songs. Drummer Jim Macaulay played the first half of the set on a separate, smaller drum kit. By this time, Jet Black had completely stopped traveling outside the UK with the band. He did not play at some later gigs, but he played half the set at others where there was space for two drum kits.
His appearances during the 2014 Ruby Anniversary tour were not regular. When he was there, he only played during the encore. He said, "I'll carry on until I'm incapable of doing it." He added, "I am going to have to stop one day, but I expect the band will carry on." However, bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel said that when Jet Black could no longer contribute, there would be no more Stranglers. He noted that Jet Black was "on oxygen" even after playing slower songs. Jet Black was absent from the band's UK festival shows in mid-2014.
2015 to 2018
In January 2015, Stranglers guitarist Baz Warne said that Jet would play when he could. He mentioned that Jet Black had given his blessing for the band to continue without him. He was ready to let Jim Macaulay, the new drummer, take over.
In a BBC interview on January 30, Jet Black said he had some health problems but was "still playing gigs." During early tour dates, he would take over from Jim Macaulay mid-set, playing about four songs. However, these appearances stopped before the end of the tour. His last stage performance with The Stranglers was in Cambridge on March 20, 2015.
In December 2015, Jean-Jacques Burnel confirmed that Jet Black would not join the 2016 tour. He said, "I don't want him to become a freak show either. The most important thing for me is his health." Even though he did not play, Jet Black continued to travel with the band. He signed vinyl records of their 1978 album, which were sold at gigs.
After his 78th birthday, Jet Black said it becomes harder to do things you used to. A promotional image for the band's 2017 tour did not include Jet Black. This was the first time drummer Jim Macaulay appeared in such an image. Jet Black officially left the band in 2018 at the age of 79.
Honors Campaign
In 2008, an online petition asked for Jet Black to be included in the next list of honors in the UK. It received 477 signatures and was mentioned in the national news.
Personal Life and Death
Jet Black's second wife, Helena, left him after arguments about The Stranglers practicing at their home.
Jet Black did not stay in touch with former Stranglers singer Hugh Cornwell after he left the band in 1990. When Hugh Cornwell called to say he was leaving, Jet Black simply replied, "OK, fine." In 2014, Jet Black confirmed he did not keep in touch with Cornwell. He last lived in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, where he reportedly designed and built wooden furniture.
Jet Black passed away at his home in Wales on December 6, 2022, at 84 years old. Hugh Cornwell said they shared a special time trying to become professional musicians. He added that The Stranglers' success was built on Jet Black's strong determination.
Images for kids
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Jet Black performing with The Stranglers at the 2006 Bestival
