(Gibson) Lloyd Knibb, the influential drummer for the Jamaican band, The Skatalites, died from liver cancer Thursday. He was 80. According to his wife, Enid, he had been receiving treatment in the United States before returning to Jamaica this week.Knibb, who became a driving force behind the development of the ska beat, was an original member of The Skatalites, a band created in 1964. Twice nominated for Grammys, the band broke up in the '60s but reunited 20 years later in New York. Over the years they recorded 15 studio albums, as well as a slew of live and collaboration albums. Among their most notable songs is "Guns of Navarone."
Knibb last performed with the band in April. His manager, Ken Stewart, who was traveling back to Jamaica with Knib, posted on Facebook: "I can only hope we make it back so he can enjoy his family and friends and see his homeland one more time." He is survived by his wife, five children, seven grandchildren and one great grandchild. more on this story
