Founding Member of the Merrymen, Chris Gibbs, Has Died

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Chris Gibbs, a founding member of the legendary band,   the Merrymen, died on Tuesday after a battle with cancer, relatives have confirmed. He was 80 years old.

Chris Gibbs and the group, Merrymen (Contributed photo)Gibbs, a bass guitarist and vocalist, had together with guitarist Robin Hunte and lead vocalist and guitarist Charles Emile Straker, formed the group in 1962 that was known for its infectious blend of calypso, folk, and Caribbean rhythms. Hunte died 10 years ago from cancer.

Gibbs was also as a champion watersports athlete who, in 2003, became the first Caribbean national to swim the English Channel.

“He was easy-going, he was the strength in the family,” Gibbs’ younger brother, Roger told Barbados TODAY in a brief telephone interview from his home in Canada.

The group was known for several popular songs, including “Big Bamboo”, “You Sweeten Me” as well as having a strong repertoire of calypso and island-themed music, such as “Beautiful Barbados”, “Yellow Bird”, and “Island Living”.

Peter Roett, who joined the band in 1976 as a drummer and percussionist, said ‘there were five members of the Merrymen since 1976 and now two have gone.

He described Gibbs as “a unique bass player with impeccable timing.

“When I joined in 1976, and soca music came into play, bass and drums were the engine room of the band. So, we became the foundation of the band. He was really an incredible person overall.”

In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the National Cultural Foundation expressed profound sadness at Gibbs’ passing.