Arthur ‘Gaps’ Hendrickson, a co-vocalist of the 2-tone band The Selecter, has passed away following a brief illness. The news was confirmed by his bandmate Pauline Black and released via their record label’s social media account. Hendrickson was a musician hailing from his hometown of Coventry and became a part of The Selecter in 1979. The band became one of the leading acts within the 2-tone movement that aimed to pioneer racial equality, anti-sexism, and harmony alongside acts such as Madness, The Specials, The Bodysnatchers, and more.
Despite The Selecter being one of the most successful bands within the movement, their original line-up remained intact for just one year. They disbanded in 1982, and then reformed eleven years later with a slightly changed line-up led by Pauline Black. Hendrickson intermittently performed with the band between 1994 and 1996. They went into hiatus in 2006 and later reformed again in 2010, with Hendrickson officially becoming a more permanent member of the band.
Hendrickson’s last performance with The Selecter was only two days prior to his death during the California leg of their tour. The band dedicated the rest of their future shows to the “2-Tone original” and his many fans. There has been continuous support shown from those in the industry as well, with many voices paying condolences and tributes to the beloved musician.
As a band member of The Selecter, Hendrickson helped pioneer the movement of racial equality within the 2-tone genre alongside other influential acts of his time. He will forever be remembered as a talented musician and one of the driving forces behind the creation of such an influential sound
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