RIP.
Legendary bassist and music producer Robbie Shakespeare has passed away at the age of 68.
Best known as one half of reggae icons Sly and Robbie, the Jamaican artist died in hospital in Florida after recently undergoing kidney surgery, according to reports.
Tributes have been rolling in for the bassist since news broke of his death, with the Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness leading the way.
He wrote: “The legendary bassist Robbie Shakespeare played a significant role in recording and producing albums for various Reggae artists including Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, U Roy, Culture, Burning Spear among other big names.
(1/3) My condolences to the family, friends and fans of Jamaican Reggae musician and record producer, Robbie Shakespeare of the Sly and Robbie fame. pic.twitter.com/Q1C1FZBQ4G
— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) December 8, 2021
“When it comes to Reggae bass playing, no one comes close to having the influence of Robbie Shakespeare. He will be remembered for his sterling contribution to the music industry and Jamaica’s culture. May his soul Rest In Peace.”
Shakespeare has worked with some music greats over the course of his career, from The Rolling Stones to our very own Sinead O’Connor.
He formed Sly and Robbie with drummer Sly Dunbar in the mid-70s, becoming a household name in the reggae and dub scene.
The pair also worked with Bob Dylan, Grace Jones, No Doubt, Sting, Simply Red, just to name a few.
We are saddened to hear the passing of legendary musician, producer, and artist Robbie Shakespeare. The world has lost a creative genius whose mark on bringing reggae music to the mainstream will last forever. Our condolences to his family and friends. 💛 pic.twitter.com/FrJ3XqCQCS
— Island Records (@IslandRecords) December 9, 2021
RIP Robbie Shakespeare. This man’s work as part of the legendary production duo Sly & Robbie and for many others will never ever be forgotten. Gutted. Fly high Basspeare! pic.twitter.com/hRSdSUq09i
— Ghostpoet (@ghostpoet) December 8, 2021
Very sorry to hear of the passing of the great Robbie Shakespeare. I had the honour of hanging with him and Sly when they were recording with Sineád in Dublin. One of the very greatest. RIP. pic.twitter.com/u1KQPC382X
— John Kelly tweets (@johnkellytweets) December 8, 2021
Sly and Robbie’s most recent album, Dubrsing, was released back in 2014.
Tweets have been rolling in for the late musician, with RTE’s John Kelly saying: “Very sorry to hear of the passing of the great Robbie Shakespeare. I had the honour of hanging with him and Sly when they were recording with Sineád in Dublin. One of the very greatest. RIP.”
Fellow musician Ghostpoet wrote: “RIP Robbie Shakespeare. This man’s work as part of the legendary production duo Sly & Robbie and for many others will never ever be forgotten. Gutted. Fly high Basspeare!”
Island Records said: “We are saddened to hear the passing of legendary musician, producer, and artist Robbie Shakespeare. The world has lost a creative genius whose mark on bringing reggae music to the mainstream will last forever. Our condolences to his family and friends. “
