By Shereita Grizzle—
As part of their 40th year anniversary last year, reggae band Third World was on tour at numerous locations across the globe. Because of an illness, lead singer William ‘Bunny Rugs’ Clarke missed out on many of the band’s performances, including shows in Germany, Belgium and Poland.
Clarke’s death earlier this month left a musical void in the reggae group and many music lovers were left questioning how the legendary group would continue to fill its scheduled appearances in the coming months.
During his illness, A.J. Brown replaced the ailing Rugs on shows such as the Belgium’s Reggae Geel and Reggae Sun Ska in France as well as numerous shows in the United States.
With many more appearances scheduled for the coming weeks, A.J. Brown has again been called upon to take on duties as the group’s lead singer.
According to the band’s publicist, Heather Cameron, Brown will be joining the group for its February performances, including this weekend’s Blue Mountain Music Festival, in addition to several shows in California, United States, later this month.
Brown also led vocals for Third World’s Antiguan appearance a few days ago.
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Cameron said fans should look forward to great shows as Third World will be putting on performances to be remembered. She also revealed that just last week, the band was booked for a show in San Diego today as the promoters thought it a great opportunity to pay tribute to Rugs.
She also thanked persons locally and internationally for the outpouring of love they have shown for the artist.
“It is just so beautiful to see the support for Bunny Rugs. Many Jamaicans have been revealing how much of an impact he made and say they have not heard so much Third World music in a long time.”
Rugs, who was diagnosed with cancer, was in and out of intensive care and succumbed to his illness at a Florida hospital on February 2. His death sent shock waves throughout the entire nation and left the music fraternity mourning the loss of another reggae icon.
Third World has released 20 albums in its 40-year history in the music industry, the latest being Patriots released in 2011.
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