Tributes have been paid to “Pirate Charles” also known as “the Pirate” or simply “Pirate” – a familiar sight and sound in the Kemp Town and North Laine areas of Brighton.
He is understood to have died yesterday morning (Thursday 13 August) from lung cancer.
Charles Saddler, the Brighton Pirate, could often be seen in colourful outfits, playing music from a portable speaker outside Morrisons, in St James’s Street, or on the move.
Brighton reggae vocal harmony duo The Tribulizations posted on social media: “With a heavy heart we say goodbye to the most gentle, kindest and stylish Rastaman we’ve ever met.
“He brought joy and reggae vibes to the streets of Brighton. You always knew he was near when you heard deep reggae music.”
On Facebook, Maria Garrett said: “During covid he volunteered at East Brighton Food Co-op, delivering emergency meals to the most vulnerable.
“Charles was also known for helping at St Cuthman’s Church, in Whitehawk. He cared about others in his community.
“Then there was the music side, spreading love and positivity throughout Brighton. I can remember a few pop up parties over the years. Another legend gone RIP.”
Daniel Kennedy said on Facebook: “I’ve just found out the Brighton pirate has passed away. I’ve know this bloke 20 years – a very well-known Brighton character.
“I saw him at the hospital when H was born and he was so happy for me. If you’re from Brighton, I’m sure you’ve seen him, walking about blasting his tunes. RIP to a Brighton legend.”
He was described as lovely, wonderful and flamboyant – “the best-dressed man in Brighton” – and others spoke of his gentle, kind and caring nature.
Dana Allen posted on Facebook: “RIP to the Brighton legend we all know and love, the icon of our streets.
“There was never a dull moment when this man was around with his music and speaker, the smiles he brought to everyone and the joy he brought to everyone’s life.”
And Natty Druacháin Drohan posted: “Bless up Charles aka Pirate who passed away yesterday from cancer. A local legend and provider of sounds and vibes!
“He often made me smile on a gloomy day with his theatrical and colourful outfits. Had the best collection of colourful tracksuits going and of course always had his speaker and treated passers by to some jungle, dnb or roots reggae.
“Frequently bringing the vibes on St James’s Street, New Road, at the beach and around the city and at many reggae dances over the years. A proper Brighton institution for decades.”
And Mikey Mackay posted this composite tribute to the Brighton Pirate and another local legend Disco Pete – Pete Turner – who died in February 2021.
R.I.P The Pirate (Charles) A man of panache and consummate style. You will be sorely missed as a local character. God bless you.
A very sad day, always a colourful addition to St James St and around
RIP Charles. You were a lovely soul who brightened up Kempton and area. RIP.
A bright light from brighton has passed to the otherside. Charles, pirate was from a different time we may never see his like again. Always made my heart sing to see him !! Jah 🏴☠️. Sputnik to Zion ☝️🌈❤️
He was my farther
A good man, who made Brighton better, good bless you sir,
hr will be miss you know he was a nice man you know
he will l be miss you know he was a nice man you know
Disco Pete he was Caretaker at my Children’s Infants School-Stanford.
Always a Distintive Sound with Charles.
Won’t forget either of them x
R.I.P ( PIRATE ) you could always hear him coming from a distance and I think one thing I’ll remember the most is that I didn’t get out of my sister‘s back door in time as he was coming down the driveway and he got met at the back door by my dog. who had done three years in Belmarsh and I saw was him fly out the gate and shut his mate in the garden and that was the last time I actually saw him, but he was a wicked bloke always brightly dressed, always seem like one of the ninja Turtles to me take care
He was a colourful person always well dressed reggae music blasting put never rude always respectful if anyone has a funeral date would love to attend RIP Charles
I spent the last two years with Charles as his photographer, social media manager, confidante and friend. I knew Charles more than the outfits and the music, and feel lucky to have seen him on his journey through his illness, his hospital stays and his final hours. An indelible memory. Blessed journey Pirate.