Specials co-founder Steve Eaton dies aged 51

One of Coventry’s leading figures in the ska music industry has died of a heart attack after a three-year battle with cancer.



Steve Eaton, who helped put together the city’s biggest band The Specials with Jerry Dammers, passed away at the age of 51 after fighting throat cancer, diabetes and osteoporosis.

A huge figure on the city’s ska scene, Steve was the model for the cover of the Selecter’s Too Much Pressure album.

His wife of 24 years, Lindsey Eaton, said: “He was a beacon and inspired a lot of people. He was unique, an extrovert.

He was the sort of person once seen never forgotten.”

Steve, of Kent Close, Cheylesmore, was a well-known face in the city in his trademark bowler hat.

Hundreds have paid tribute to him on social networking website Facebook.

His illness had been no secret to local music figures and had seen him undergo intensive treatment since being diagnosed with cancer.

Lindsey added: “It wasn’t really the cancer that killed him, it was the treatment. He fought for three and a half years and was in great pain.

“It stopped him doing the things he wanted to do and it was awful to see him like that. He had always loved life.

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RIP Steve