Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson was The Selecter frontman (Picture: Andrew Maccoll/REX/Shutterstock)
Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson has died after a short illness.
The Selecter’s frontman was an inherent part of the band’s success. On Instagram, the group paid tribute to the 2-Tone music legend.
‘We are devastated to confirm that Selecter frontman Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson has died after a short illness,’ the statement began.
‘The world has lost a 2-Tone original, a talented musician and an absolute gentlemen.
‘We have lost our beloved friend and bandmate. RIP Gaps.’
Jools Holland, who’s band collaborated with The Selecter, shared some kind words about Hendrickson in the comment section.
Hendrickson began his career in the 1970s (Picture: Burak Cingi/Redferns)
‘Sending all love and condolences. Truly dear man,’ he typed.
Fans of the star also remembered the talented singer. ‘This is devastating. What a loss….Condolences to his family, friends, and fans,’ wrote Miss Upsetter.
Agusgt21 added: ‘Always on stage with a smile and making the audience dance. R.I.P.’
‘Devastated. Condolences to his family/loved ones/ The Selecter family. Incalculably influential on my life,’ said account Hella Leg Room.
Pauline Black and Arthur Hendrickson performing together (Picture: C Brandon/Redferns)
The Selecter, which also included Pauline Black OBE on lead vocals alongside five more members, was formed in Coventry.
After beginning in 1979, they became one of the most successful ska bands of the 2-Tone era. The music genre fused traditional Jamaican ska, rocksteady, and reggae music with elements of punk rock and new wave music. The Selecter often championed racial equality and harmony in their lyrics.
Together, they achieved several top-forty singles, including Whispers, On My Radio, Three Minute Hero, and Missing Words.
Hendrickson will be remembered for his incredible music (Picture: Lorne Thomson/Redferns)
The band were formed in 1979 (Picture: REX/Shutterstock)
The band split in 1982, but has since reformed with various lineups. Hendrickson performed with the band again between 1991–2006, and then again from 2010 as a permanent member.
The band’s 16th studio album Human Algebra was released in 2022.
Black wrote on Facebook that she was ‘too devastated to say anything coherent at the moment’, but shared a message from Hendrickson’s family.
Black is devastated (Picture: James Mccauley/REX/Shutterstock)
‘The family of Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson are saddened to announce the passing of our dearly beloved “Gappa”. He passed away in the early hours of Tuesday 11th June 2024 in Coventry, the city where he came to fame as frontman for the 2-Tone group The Selecter.
‘Gappa was actively performing with the group until he was diagnosed with cancer last year. Even then, he fought his way back from ill-health to join Jools Holland’s R & B Orchestra as a guest artist for their Autumn/Winter Tour 2023.
‘Gaps was known the world over for singing the title track on The Selecter’s debut album ‘Too Much Pressure’, he brought a captivating angst and frustration to the track as he described the trials and tribulations of daily life for the working man.
‘He will be sorely missed by all those who knew him. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.’
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