After battling cancer for two years, Big Sugar bassist Garry Lowe has died. He was 65 years old.
The Canadian rock/reggae rocker passed away on Saturday morning, according to a statement issued by the band. They noted in the statement that Lowe “was long heralded and admired for not only his extensive musical talents, especially with Gordie Johnson and Big Sugar, but also for his infectious energies of love, humanity, humour and kindness.”
“We lost our dear brother and sweet friend Garry this morning,” Big Sugar frontman Gordie Johnson added in the release. “He was my greatest musical collaborator, our wisest elder. We were blessed to be on life’s journey together. We were blessed to know him and share his music. Please remember Garry Lowe in all your thoughts and prayers.”
Lowe, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, relocated to Canada in 1976 at the age of 22. He previously played bass with Jackie Mittoo and was popular among reggae touring artists. He played several times at the Bamboo club and other venues and also founded the band Culture Shock.
Big Sugar officially formed in 1988 in Toronto with Johnson, bassist Terry Wilkins, and drummer Al Cross. Lowe joined the band in 1994. The band is known for albums including Five Hundred Pounds (1993), Hemi-Vision (1996), Brothers and Sisters Are You Ready? (2001), Revolution Per Minute (2011) and Yard Style (2014).
Big Sugar split in 2003 before reuniting in 2010. During that time, Lowe co-founded the reggae band Truth and Rights Revue and released one album.
