JET BLACK (Brian John Duffy) b. 26th auG '38 d. 6th dec '22

Welcome to Jet's page! Born Brian John Duffy in Ilford, Essex, he developed an early interest in music despite a family that wasn't particularly musical. He began piano lessons at the age of 5 and later took up the violin at a boarding school in  Broadstairs, Kent. 

His time at school was marked by his struggle with asthma, which led to his attendance at a residential school by the sea for better air quality. There, he discovered a talent for the violin and became the best player at the school. His musical journey continued with the clarinet and, eventually, the drums. 

In '74, Black transitioned into a full-time music career. He met guitarist Hugh Cornwell through an ad in Melody Maker, leading to the formation of The Stranglers. Initially named the Guildford Stranglers, the band played middle-of-the-road pop, traveling to gigs in one of Jet's ice cream vans. 

The lineup solidified with the addition of bassist Jean-Jacques Burnel and keyboardist Dave Greenfield. Black's drumming style was influenced by Jazz rather than Rock 'n' Roll, bringing a unique depth to the band's sound. He played on all of The Stranglers albums up to Giants (2012) and was particularly fond of The Gospel According to the Meninblack (1981).