Musical Youth's drummer Frederick Waite Jr. has died aged 55.
Frederick passed away on 20 July in Birmingham, with the band announcing his sad death on Thursday. No cause of death has been announced.
Musical Youth wrote in a statement: "We are sad to announce the passing of Musical Youth’s drummer Frederick Waite Jr. Our thoughts go out to him and his family during this sad time. We have lost a musical legend, who inspired many young musicians over the last 40 years."
The British-Jamaican reggae band formed in 1979 in Birmingham.
The original band was made up of Frederick and his brother Patrick, who died aged 24 in 1993, as well as brothers Kelvin and Michael Grant, and Dennis Seaton. The band recorded two albums and earned a Grammy Award nomination.
They are best remembered for their 1982 single "Pass the Dutchie", which was a number 1 around the world and featured more recently on Stranger Things.
The rest of the band performed at the Commonwealth Games closing ceremony only two days ago.
Fans shared their messages of condolence after the band announced Fred's death.
One wrote: "So sorry to hear this, thoughts are with everyone who knew him. Very proud of this band from Birmingham, so talented."
Another added: "R.I.P. Frederick. The very first record I ever bought was Pass The Dutchie. I was 11 years old & I saved up my 25p a week pocket money, my Grandad gave me on a Friday and I went to Rumbelows in Bromsgrove & bought it myself. Thank you for the childhood memories."
A third fan chimed: "Really sad to hear this, you guys were a massive part of my life growing up and have stayed with me. Deepest condolences."
Musical Youth made history by becoming the first black act to have a music video played on the newly founded channel MTV.
They went on to have a string of hits but their commercial success plateaued after one final hit Sixteen in 1984.
Plans for a reunion of Musical Youth were halted when Patrick Waite suddenly died aged 24 in February 1993, having collapsed at home from a hereditary heart condition.
Former member Kelvin Grant has continued his solo career, most recently releasing the album Defend Them in 2018.
