Brandt Abner, Skinnerbox Keyboardist, Vocalist, Composer RIP

Skinnerbox gathered for a reunion show in 2010.
Brandt Abner is third from the right.

Last week, the NYC ska scene was shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Brandt Abner, Skinnerbox's keyboardist, vocalist, and one of its composers, who passed away on September 13, 2013 at age 43.

Abner was a founding member of Skinnerbox, writing and performing on their debut 1989 cassette Instrumental Conditioning (much of which can be found on the Special Wild 1989-1994 compilation CD) through all of their albums--1993's Tales from the Red, 1997's What You Can Do, What You Can't and 1998's Demonstration. Abner also worked with Jeff Baker/King Django for the Version City compilation and the Roots and Culture album, and played keys on some of the tracks for The Toasters' This Gun for Hire (see Abner's discography here).

At The Selecter show last night at The Gramercy Theater in NYC, The Rudie Crew (trumpeter Dan Dulin and saxophonist El Husey are former members of Skinnerbox and close friends of Abner) dedicated their song "Life" to Abner during their set.

The Duff Guide to Ska joins the entire NYC ska community in offering our sincere condolences to Brandt Abner's family and friends.

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The video below features Brandt Abner singing "Promise" (which he wrote) with Skinnerbox at the Subborn Records 20th Anniversary Party at the Knitting Factory Brooklyn in May 2012.