Career

Black was a successful businessman up until the mid 1970s, owning a fleet of ice cream vans, and an off-licence in Guildford, UK called 'The Jackpot'. This establishment was the base for the early Stranglers. He became a full-time professional musician in the mid 1970s and is still currently drumming for The Stranglers, despite his advancing years. His style is usually simplistic and jazz-influenced, although "Duchess", and "Down in the Sewer", are frantic drumming songs live. In the mid 1980s, Black elected to cease playing acoustic drums in the recording studio and used a Simmons kit triggered by pick-ups , most notably on the Feline and Aural Sculpture albums.

He wrote a short book, Much Ado About Nothing, which detailed the riots in France which were blamed on The Stranglers' presence in 1981.

Customised equipment

During a long career in music, Black, like many other drummers, became aware of certain practical limitations inherent in the basic kit design and set about addressing the issue in the form of the now patented 'Jet Black Power Bass Drum Pedal'. This has brought new freedoms of comfort and technical feasibility to drummers. The 'Jet Black Power Bass Drum Pedal' enables the bass drum to be placed anywhere and yet remain playable.

2007 illness

In March 2007, it was announced on The Stranglers' website that he is currently suffering from atrial fibrillation and is consequently refraining from appearing with The Stranglers until he has recovered. He played a full Stranglers concert in early June and is now regularly playing with the band again, although he is unable to travel very long distances at present.

His temorary replacement was Michael "Mikov" Sparonni.

Personal life

His second wife, Helena, left him following several arguments over the presence of The Stranglers rehearsing in their home during the early days of the band.

He has apparently had no contact with former Stranglers singer Hugh Cornwell since he left the band in 1990. According to Cornwell's 2004 autobiography, when he telephoned Black to announce his resignation, the latter's response was simply 'OK, fine.'

Honour campaign

On 16 July 2007, an online petition lobbying the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to ensure that Black is included in the next list of honours was created on the government website.[1] It presently has over 130 signatures.

References

• The Great Rock Discography - 5th Edition - ISBN 1-84195-017-3
• Guinness Rockopedia - ISBN 0-85112-072-5
• Hugh Cornwell - A Multitude of Sins - ISBN 0007193254

External links

• Prime Minister's office - petition to get Jet Black honoured