
high-energy style of reggae music for a quarter of a century. As the
only British reggae group to win a Grammy Award (for Babylon the
Bandit in 1985), their international success continues to inspire
audiences of both new and long-dedicated fans. It has also earned them
subsequent Grammy nominations for Victims, Rastafari Centennial, Rage
& Fury and for Living Legacy, in 2000.
Their music is an extension of their roots. Always rebels with a
cause, the vanguard tends to be where they are. Spike Lee met the
group at a fundraising function and soon selected `Can’t Stand The
Heat,’ written by STEEL PULSE founder and lead vocalist David Hinds,
for his film Do The Right Thing.
STEEL PULSE’s powerful performances have recently been hailed as
occasion to contemplate political art’s effectiveness by The New York
Times.
“We’re never gonna be the aristocracy’s favorite band,” says
co-founder Selwyn Brown with a grin. Nevertheless, in 1993, STEEL
PULSE’s musical message of hope, education and activism paved the way
for an invitation by the Clinton Administration for the group to
become the first reggae artists to perform during inaugural
festivities in Washington, DC.
The reggae super-group has performed live with Sting, lnxs, Santana,
Robert Palmer, Herbie Hancock, Bob Dylan and the band’s own idols, Bob
Marley & the Wailers among many others. Cameo appearances by the likes
of Jay Leno, Branford Marsalis and Robert Townsend have graced their
videos.
Hinds grew up through these musical transitions, hearing blue-beat,
jazz, ska and then rock-steady, which soon developed into reggae; the
first music of the era to deliver direct political messages. The
universality of these messages became the foundation of STEEL PULSE’s
artistry.
STEEL PULSE had a reputation as Birmingham’s most original new reggae
band, with Selwyn Brown Showing U for gigs playing a 1950’s melodica
until he could afford a real keyboard. The punk music scene was also
erupting, and groups such as Generation X frequently chose STEEL PULSE
to open their shows.
Handsworth became the backdrop for the `Rock Against Racism’ movement,
and for STEEL PULSE’s first popular album, Handsworth Revolution
(Island, 1978).
“There’s nobody out there right now with a political voice like Bob
Marley had in the late 1970s,” says Hinds. “If we bought one of his
albums, we were guaranteed ten tracks of education.” STEEL PULSE also
credits the Gil Scott Heron, The Crusaders, Grover Washington, John
Handy, War, George Benson, Herbie Hancock, Curtis Mayfield, Sam Cooke
and Bobby Womack among their musical influences.
Several STEEL PULSE members are strict observers of Rastafarian
spiritual beliefs, and the group’s message of universal love has
remained steadfast throughout the recent world political climate. `We
deal with positive spirits. That means putting aside the guns, the
drugs and all the things that are ailments of society. The change we
have noticed is in our audiences – they’ve become even more receptive
to everything we’ve said, especially when we introduce Build A Nation
and Global Warning,” Hinds notes, referring to two new songs the group
is set to release on their forthcoming album, African Holocaust
(Sanctuary Records).
STEEL PULSE tours worldwide with an eight-piece ensemble including
co-founder Selwyn Brown on vocals and keyboards, Clifford “Moonie”
Pusey on lead guitar, Alvin Ewen on bass, Sidney Mills on keyboards
and Conrad Kelly on drums and percussion.
Beloved ex-drummer Steve “Grizzly” Nesbitt’s health has continued to
prevent him from touring with STEEL PULSE since the 2001 Living Legacy
Tour.
The STEEL PULSE website (www.steel-pulse.com) is an international
focal point for music fans and watchers of catalysts for social change
to gather, listen, chat and read. STEEL PULSE look forward to kicking
off their 2007 TOUR
Be There! Tuesday March 6 Webster Hall,125 East 11th St Bet 3rd & 4
Ave, NYC
18+ and over- Tickets: $28 advance / $30 Day of Show
Doors 8 pm Sharp
Tickets available at www.ticketweb.com ,
866-468-7619 or at the Mercury Lounge box office (Houston btwn. Essex
& Ludlow)
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