Roots reggae band Steel Pulse will replace Ali Campbell at the closing night of the 14th World Creole Music Festival (WCMF), Events Director of the Dominica Festival Committee Natalie Clarke announced this morning.
SEE TWO (2) STEEL PULSE VIDEOS BELOW
“We are now in the process of getting the deposits to Steep Pulse. They will be replacing Ali Campbell UB40 on Sunday night as our major artiste and we are
very proud and pleased that they will be back again,” Clarke said at the DFC weekly press conference in the hallways of their office.
Ali Campbell was forced to withdraw from this year’s WCMF for medical reasons.
The DFC said it had recovered all deposits made to the artist and was looking for a replacement to come from Europe since it had already established agreements for airlift from that part of the world.
At a recent press conference, the DFC events director had said her office was going to be very selective on who they choose to replace Ali Campbell.
“We say with confidence – Steel Pulse, Sunday,” Clarke said.
About Steel Pulse (from steelpulse.com)
Steel Pulse was formed in 1975 in Birmingham, England, specifically the inner city area of Handsworth.
The founding members were schoolmates David Hinds (the primary songwriter as well as the lead singer and guitarist), Basil Gabbidon (guitar), and Ronnie “Stepper” McQueen (bass). All of them came from working class West Indian immigrant families, and none had much musical experience.
They took some time to improve their technical proficiency, often on Roots inspired material by the Wailers, Burning Spear and several other prominent Jamaican artists. McQueen suggested the group name, after a racehorse, and they soon fleshed out the lineup with drummer Steve “Grizzly” Nisbett, keyboardist/vocalist Selwyn “Bumbo” Brown, percussionist/vocalist Alphonso “Fonso” Martin, and vocalist Michael Riley.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO
[youtube width=”640″ height=”500″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_TNGHKYUkc&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
Steel Pulse initially had difficulty finding live gigs, as club owners were reluctant to give them a platform for their “subversive” Rastafarian politics. Luckily, the punk movement was opening up new avenues for music all over Britain, and also finding a spiritual kinship with protest reggae. Thus, the group wound up as an opening act for punk and new wave bands like the Clash, the Stranglers, Generation X, the Police, and XTC, and built a broad-based audience in the process.
In keeping with the spirit of the times, Steel Pulse developed a theatrical stage show that leavened their social commentary with satirical humor; many of the members dressed in costumes that mocked traditional British archetypes (Riley was a vicar, McQueen a bowler-wearing aristocrat, Martin a coach footman, etc.). The band issued two singles — “Kibudu, Mansetta and Abuku” and “Nyah Love” — on small independent labels, when they then came to the attention of Island Records after opening for Burning Spear.
Steel Pulse’s first single for Island was the classic “Ku Klux Klan,” which happened to lend itself well to the band’s highly visual, costume-heavy concerts. It appeared on their 1978 debut album, Handsworth Revolution, which was soon hailed as a classic of British reggae by many fans and critics, thanks to songs like the title track, “Macka Splaff,” “Prodigal Son,” and “Soldiers.” Riley departed before the follow-up, 1979’s Tribute to the Martyrs, which featured other key early singles in “Sound System” and “Babylon Makes the Rules,” and solidified the band’s reputation for uncompromising political ferocity. That reputation went out the window on 1980’s Caught You, a more pop-oriented set devoted to dance tracks and lovers rock. By that point, Steel Pulse was keen on trying to crack the American market, and went on tour over Island’s objections. Caught You was issued in the States as Reggae Fever, but failed to break the group, and they soon parted ways with Island.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW VIDEO
[youtube width=”640″ height=”500″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yULRZ3zLXc8&feature=player_embedded#![/youtube]
Steel Pulse moved on to Elektra/Asylum, which released an LP version of their headlining set at the 1981 Reggae Sunsplash Festival. Their studio debut was 1982’s True Democracy, a generally acclaimed set that balanced bright, accessible production with a return to social consciousness. It became their first charting LP in America, making both the pop and R&B listings. The slicker follow-up, Earth Crisis, was released in 1984 and featured producer Jimmy “Senyah” Haynes subbing on guitar and bass for founding members Gabbidon and McQueen, both of whom left the group by the end of the recording sessions. They were replaced by guitarist Carlton Bryan and bassist Alvin Ewen for 1986’s Babylon the Bandit, another Haynes-produced effort that ranked as the group’s most polished, synth-centered record to date. It featured the powerful “Not King James Version” and won a Grammy for Best Reggae Album.
In 1988, Steel Pulse released State of Emergency, their most explicitly crossover-oriented album yet. They also contributed the track “Can’t Stand It” to the soundtrack of Spike Lee’s classic Do the Right Thing. In 1991, they released another heavily commercial album, the Grammy-nominated Victims, which featured the single “Taxi Driver.” Backing up the song’s views, Steel Pulse filed a class-action lawsuit against the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, charging that drivers discriminated against blacks and particularly Rastafarians. Founding member Fonso Martin left that year, reducing Steel Pulse to a core trio of Hinds, Nisbett, and Brown. Their backing band still featured Ewen and was elsewhere anchored by guitarist Clifford “Moonie” Pusey, keyboardist Sidney Mills, trumpeter Kevin Batchelor, Saxophonist Jerry Johnson and Trombonist Clark Gayton.
The 1992 live album Rastafari Centennial marked the beginning of a return to the group’s musical roots, and earned another Grammy nomination. The following year, they performed at Bill Clinton’s inaugural celebration, the first reggae band to appear at such an event. 1994’s studio album Vex completed Steel Pulse’s re-embrace of classic roots reggae, though it also nodded to contemporary dancehall with several guest toasters and a digital-flavored production. 1997’s Rage and Fury continued in a similar vein, and was nominated for a Grammy. In 1999, the group released another collection of live performances, Living Legacy.
Fast forward a long seven years since their previous album, Rage and Fury, Steel Pulse would return yet again, this time with African Holocaust, and yet again have their ranks dwindled. Core members David Hinds (vocals, rhythm guitar) and Selwyn Brown (keyboards, backing vocals) are the only ones to remain from the band’s original line-up, but they more than hold their own and they’re joined by a deep roster of supporting musicians, a list too long to list. As always, the music is what’s most important, and on that count, this Steel Pulse lineup indeed makes the mark. Granted, it did take them seven years to get the album out, but still it won a Grammy Awards Nomination for Best Reggae Album of the year.
There’s really not too much else to say about African Holocaust. Longtime fans will know what to expect. Newcomers should know a few things: above all, Steel Pulse are known for performing well-written, Afrocentric songs that are rebellious without being negative or inflammatory, and though the band membership has changed over the years, the type of songs hasn’t, nor has the steady move away from dancehall that was apparent on the band’s previous album. the message and music remain true to the band’s principles and vision.
Steel Pulse is one of Britain’s greatest reggae bands, in terms of creative and commercial success. Steel Pulse started out playing authentic roots reggae with touches of jazz and Latin music, and earned a substantial audience worldwide. Their 1978 debut, Handsworth Revolution, is still regarded by many critics as a landmark and a high point of British reggae. By the late ’80s, Steel Pulse had won a Grammy and were working full-fledged crossover territory. They subsequently returned to a tough-minded, rootsy sound and have added touches of dancehall and hip-hop along the way.
Oh My Word!!! I wish I could be in DA for this. LOVE THE PULSE! Only messages of pure peace, love and harmony coming from them…. and judging by the comments on some of the other stories on this site, I say DA needs a lot of that…..!!!!
BRILLIANT ! Now that’s what the festival needs, a band that packs a powerfull punch. You can’t go wrong with that heavy sound. They always entertain. Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.
@SHATTAH: @DJ: @domnichen:
even though u not into reggae or dislike the vibe you must acknowledge a Great Group thats all
they could have even have choosen Thirld World or Pato Banton too…all Greats in their reggae field so dont sound like they are garage bands ok…
Its the vibe and message in the tracks thats key! reggae is a heart beat!! put that in your pipe and keep smoking!……guess the lyrics maybe too stiff for you liking or what..or u love the runaway lyrics and slack lines…..hmm interesting..im old schooler…bring on the 80s act they are truly classical!
@the weather man: didnt you see that info in the article!!
even though u make not like or dont know much its wise to always be objective in your comment
a world class act is a world class act……kassav played here maybe 9-12 times in the fest when was their last latest album arent they crowd pullers….we need to be factual in our comments and should a mature outlook be constructive in your thoughts do the research! Please
Good choice of down to earth old school music.Love it
@the weather man: U A DUMB SKNT
@domnichen. I had the great pleasure of attending Reggae Sumfest in July 2010 in Jamaica, land of Reggae of Dancehall and guess who was on the line up. Usher and Chris Brown – R&B Stars. Need I say more?
Steel Pulse to the flipping world, mi seh. I will be “Steppin Out” on Sunday Night.with my “Sugar Daddy” and “Body Guard” though not on “Roller Skates” and maybe after a few drinks “Man No Sober” though “Babylon Makes the Rules” we will surely “Chant a Psalm”.
I could go on but just have to wait till October 31. Hats off DFC
WHAT IS STEEL PULSE, IS IT A STEEL BAND WHEN WAS THEIR LAST ALBUM RELEASED MORE THAN 20 YEARS AGO
What about local bands ???? The emphasis should be on CREOLE CREOLE
Steel paulse have been touring none stop.This will be a great musical crusade of conscious raggae vibes.This will be great for D.A in wake of all the crime and violence happening now.good job.
Ah Chwel ma mwen la!!
I wanna live in your house!!
ini a bubble rasta and mi sey it’s time for da/handsworth revolution.i saw steel pulse at carnival city and from time david hinds sing sound system he never go backstage.i can and most people who know the pulse of steel can sing most of their lyrics. i think is a good choice. to all those saying they are not creole i am the biggest compas and zouk fan i kno i listen as far back as zekle’ and coupe cloue but in order to attract foreigners and tourists to our shores we need to diversify if the show was only creole bands we would not get the amout of people we get at our festival. all rasta coming down from bush because of steel pulse. extra money that
@SHATTAH: Do some research then come again…. This is greatness with the real messages like Marley and dem… not no Movado, Vybz Kartel nonsense.
I happen to see the steel pulse band some mouth aback
and truse me people you wont regret it.
D/can’s it doesn’t have to be creole music alone , at the festival, it would be very boring if it were. St Lucia jazz festival hardly has Jazz music, and its a big ,trust me, so i like how they give a little of everything for the creole fest
My heart in place… that’s my band aself…
Trust me.. ah good choice dat!!!!!!!
Dat mean I dere all 3 nights.
Last time dat band was in DA I was school girl and dem man charge EC$20.00 for d show. At that time , that was the highest price ever paid to go and see a show in Dominica. And it did had plenty people in dat show and doh talk for nuf splith that burn that night. All who dat did not pull puff get high on second hand smoke!!!
Just about d same time Dominica had gone to IMF under Mamo and Mamo did raised child support to EC$30.00 and all man with child outside start to ball on Mamo. Mamo and Charlo was on platform and Steel Pulse name get mention in d meeting in Lagon : Fathers complaining that EC$30.00 too much for child support at d end of d month but dem said fathers can find d money for one night to pay steel pulse $20.00!!!!
I wonder how much child support is now after almost 30 years.
@DJ: @SHATTAH:
the last time i saw the Pulse was back in 07 at the St.Kitts Music Festival alongside the Likes of
Michael Bolton,Maxi Priest etc…truly incredible event!!
if you truly understand reggae and the conscious aspect of reggae as its a heart beat of the people the Boys from Handsworth Birmingham are World Class Ambassdors and Legends.
Think before sharing different views its wise to research do backgrounds checks etc on artist groups etc…i would surely defend them fully…look at the modern day stuff produced by many acts its lack any serious message…..didnt you know that the 80s period was on of the most successful
decade in the entire Music industry Globally…
thats why not being harsh but alot of the youth folks can deal with the serious and stiff lyrics arrangement of the music back then its too spirtual for them….they tend to believe that everything is a rough neck style with fingers pointed up…..we need to spread the musical history.
i know the industry and producers also the gear has become much more digital and midi orientated
but they facts are the facts….
GOOOOD CHOICE MAN CLASSSSSIC S… I GO SMOKEY LIL ZEB AND ROLL A NICE SPILIFF N BORN AH FIYAH ON DE GROUNDS.. I KNOW DEM PO-PO GO BE SMOKING IT UP TOO SO DOH FRET….BAIIIITCHHH…DOH VEX WITH ME
@SHATTAH: they truly great band i remember back in high school in the 80s at the DGS grounds when they first came had a wicked sound check to this day think it was of the most powerful ever!!
also if memory serves me right a said ex police chief i think wanted or carried out arrest of the Band’s Bassist…….for light the Lambs Bread!!……lol
and it has proven that the Lambs Bread is the healing of the nation!…….
@DJ:
Who cares? They’ll play their classics! Just like Kassav always does. Fitting replacement in my book!
good vibes i did suggest that the DFC show asked for a hansworth Boys from Birmingham they friends of the UBs who are from Balsall Heath Digebeth area in BHX….
good vibes…
Yeh man, keep that “mouth south”….more “s….” coming out.
Wow!!!!! What can say but they should have been on before Ali Campbell. Yes !! Let me book my flight. Hats off to the festival committee.
Lord have mercy!!! DFC that is a good choice. MY ALL TIME FAVOURITE REGGAE BAND IS COMING!!!!… Now my festival make. i just can’t stop smiling.
FYO – I am not anywhere close to being rasta (not discriminating). Just a vintage reggae fanatic.
@ DJ – What year did Kassav last produce an album?
Congratulations to the DDA for selecting an appropriate replacement to Ali campbell. i have no doubt that we will be fully entertained by on of the most influential reggae band of all time.
what can i say……………………stupesssss, y they didnt get another Jamaican artist then i would be tempted to go on sunday
yes iyah,,,,, me n my rasta fren dem gonna come out with nuff weed n challise to that jam boi,,,, looking out for dem wylahs wii boy to have a good time,,,, yes fada dat fest is d real scene
@shattah
READ THE ARTICLE IT ANSWERS UR QUESTION
WHO IS STEEL PULSE??? OR SHOULD I SAY WHAT?
Ahwa bad pick. these guys have not had a new song muchless a new album in more than a decade might just be two decades also.
Wonderful News!! Job well done DFC.
Whatever these organizers are smoking, I don’t effing want it…it is World Creole Festival…not some vintage reggae show
creole festival )’ i love steel pulse but huh that is not creole all you good
…good choice..