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 remembered on his band’s social media page. On Instagram, they 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 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 was formed in Coventry and also included Pauline Black OBE on lead vocals and five more members.
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 band achieved several top-forty singles, including Whispers, On My Radio, Three Minute Hero, and Missing Words.
The band split in 1982, but have since reformed with various lineups. Hendrickson performed with the band again between 1991–2006, and then again from 2010.
The band’s 16th studio album Human Algebra was released in 2022.
Hendrickson’s cause of death has not been revealed.
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