Tributes have been paid to musician Ranking Roger, a star of 80s band The Beat, after he died at the age of 56.
The performer - whose full name was Roger Charlery - had released an album just two months ago as he battled a series of health problems.
His death was announced to fans in an Instagram post which said: "He fought & fought & fought, Roger was a fighter", Birmingham Live reported.
It added: "Sadly Roger past away a few hours ago peacefully at his home surrounded by family."
Roger joined Birmingham-based band The Beat as a vocalist in the late 1970s and helped develop the group's pioneering two-tone sound, a fusion of UK new wave punk and ska revival.
The band released three critically acclaimed albums with singles including Mirror in the Bathroom, Hands Off She's Mine, Can't Get Used To Losing You and Too Nice To Talk To.
Following news of Roger's death, tributes began pouring in on social media from fellow musicians.
Billy Bragg was one of the first to respond, tweeting "Very sorry to hear that ranking Roger has passed away. Rest easy, Rude Boy."
The official UB40 page posted a message saying: "R.I.P Ranking Roger, Big Love UB40."
Last August, Roger was taken to hospital with a suspected mini stroke and then in January he cancelled a series of shows after it emerged he had undergone surgery for two brain tumours and had been diagnosed with lung cancer.
The news about his health battles emerged as he released his latest album, Public Confidential, and confirmed he'd finished a biography.
The book, co-written by Daniel Rachel, will be published this Spring.
