Legendary drummer Tony Allen dies, aged 79

The legendary drummer, best known for his work with Fela Kuti and The Good, the Bad & the Queen, Tony Allen has died, aged 79.

His manager Eric Trosset confirmed the news that Allen had passed away in Paris earlier today (1st May), and is alleged to have been from an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Tony Allen was regularly praised for his work bringing afrobeat to a western audience, and was named by his The Good, the Bad & the Queen bandmate Damon Albarn as the greatest drummer in the world, with the father of modern afrobeat Fela Kuti stating, "Without Tony Allen, there would be no afrobeat".

Listen again to his work on the Fela Kuti track 'Water No Get Enemy' in the player below.

More News

Dream Wife cover t.A.T.u.’s 'All The Things She Said'

After the glorious response to their much-loved studio album 'Social Lubrication' last year, Dream Wife have now returned to share a very special... 1 month 1 week ago

Lo Moon share new single 'Borrowed Hills'

With their eagerly-awaited new album set to arrive next month, Lo Moon have now dropped the next cut to be lifted from their forthcoming full-length... 1 month 1 week ago

Alfie Templeman announces new album 'Radiosoul'

After the rapturous response to his much-loved debut LP 'Mellow Moon' in 2022, Alfie Templeman has now announced his plans for a new studio album,... 1 month 1 week ago

Lauren Mayberry shares new single 'Change Shapes'

After kicking off her solo ambitions with the vibrant initial offerings 'Are You Awake' and 'Shame' last year, Lauren Mayberry is now back once again... 1 month 1 week ago

HONESTY announce new mixtape 'BOX'

Following on from their highly-praised debut EP 'WHERE R U' last year, HONESTY have now announced their plans for a new mixtape, arriving next month... 1 month 1 week ago

Mura Masa shares new single 'still'

After returning with his brilliant double A-side single 'rise / gimme' near the end of last year, Mura Masa is now back once again to deliver a brand... 1 month 1 week ago

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds announce new album 'Wild God'

After the rousing response to their much-loved LP 'Ghosteen' in 2019, Nick Cave... 1 month 1 week ago

Two Door Cinema Club return with new single 'Happy Customers'

After following up their much-loved 2022 LP 'Keep On Smiling' with the vibrant comeback single 'Sure Enough' last year, Two Door Cinema Club are now... 1 month 1 week ago

Wallows announce new album 'Model'

Following on from the release of their highly-praised 2022 sophomore LP 'Tell Me That It's Over', Wallows have now announced their plans for a new... 1 month 2 weeks ago