Barbados is mourning the lack of a cultural big following the dying of Chris Gibbs, the legendary bassist and founding member of the Merrymen, who handed away early Tuesday at his dwelling after a battle with most cancers. He was 80.
Gibbs was finest recognized for co-founding The Merrymen in 1962 alongside Robin Hunte and lead vocalist Emile Straker. The band gained worldwide popularity of its spirited mix of calypso, folks, and Caribbean rhythms, which helped introduce international audiences to Barbadian music and identification.
Over 5 many years, The Merrymen grew to become synonymous with feel-good performances, storytelling by music, and cultural ambassadorship. Gibbs’ regular basslines and heat presence had been foundational to the band’s distinctive sound and enduring success.
Past music, Gibbs was a celebrated watersports athlete. In 2003, at age 58, he grew to become the primary Caribbean nationwide to swim the English Channel — finishing the crossing in 11 hours and half-hour.
Tributes have poured in from fellow musicians, household, and cultural leaders. Longtime bandmate and drummer Peter Roett described Gibbs as “a singular bass participant with impeccable timing” and “an unbelievable individual general.” Roett famous that Gibbs’ dedication in music mirrored his tenacity in sports activities and life.
John Roett, a session musician and relative of Gibbs, recalled him because the “rock of the band,” recognized for his calm demeanor and deep musical instinct. “He knew what to play and the way a lot to not play,” Roett stated, crediting Gibbs for shaping the band’s signature stability and tone.
Gibbs additionally made an affect behind the scenes. He co-founded REC studios with Hunte and Straker, an area that supported lots of Barbados’ musical skills within the Nineteen Seventies and Nineteen Eighties.
Cultural icon Dr. Anthony “Mighty Gabby” Carter remembered Gibbs as each a musical innovator and a mild soul. “I admired his music, and principally, the person himself,” Gabby stated. “Chris has performed so much for Barbados being a member of the Merrymen and likewise as a human being.”
The Nationwide Cultural Basis additionally expressed “profound disappointment” in an official assertion Tuesday night time, recognizing Gibbs’ immense contribution to the island’s creative legacy.
Gibbs is remembered as a trailblazer whose life bridged music, sport, and nationwide pleasure — a Barbadian hero in each sense.
