THE inaugural Frome Ska Reggae Weekender comes to the Cheese & Grain on 16th and 17th June, bringing a whole host of bands and DJs to the venue across two days.
Artists include Neville Staple Band (formerly of The Specials), Legend – a tribute to Bob Marley, Troy Ellis & His Hail Jamaica Reggae Band, Gorilla Tactics DJs, D’Ska Assassins & Dr Splink. Tickets are priced at £20 per night, or just £30 for both nights, and are available from www.cheeseandgrain.com
Assistant programme and production manager at the Cheese & Grain, Lukas said, “Legend – the music of Bob Marley, is an unforgettable evening celebrating this musical icon in one fantastic stage show extravaganza, combining his superb, distinctive vocals with flawless musicianship, and a supremely talented cast.
“Together they recreate the timeless hits; Could You Be Loved; Is This Love; One Love; No Woman No Cry; Three Little Birds; Jammin’; Buffalo Soldier; Stir It Up; Get Up Stand Up; Exodus; Waiting in Vain; Satisfy My Soul; Iron Lion Zion; and I Shot the Sheriff plus many more reggae classics. This two-hour Rasta spectacular, showcasing the magic of Marley, will leave audiences on a natural high. Legend – The Music of Bob Marley captures the charisma and culture of an icon gone too soon.”
Neville Staple – legendary front man of The Specials, Fun Boy Three and Special Beat, also known as ‘The Original Rude Boy’ – is credited with changing the face of pop music not only once but twice. He celebrates a super 40-year career in the music business which is well documented and started out from the early days with Ray King, Pete Waterman, The Coventry Automatics and his Jah Baddis Sound System, before taking to the stage with The Specials during the famous Clash tour.
Neville said, “I remember the massive reactions to the hit songs like Ghost Town, Too Much Too Young and Gangsters and fans still write to me about my rugged, energetic and fun stage presence. The way we brought ska to the mainstream was by mixing Jamaican music with the English style, which at the time was punk. A lot of young bands are now putting their own spin on ska, some with dance music and some with a rock beat. It’s all good. The music just makes you want to dance. Even when singing about tough times, everyday things or bad things, the beat and the rhythm makes you want to move. I turn all our live shows into a massive party. The crowd love it and sing along to all the tracks!”
Luckas added, “Neville’s 2-Tone legacy is huge. 2-Tone fused traditional ska music with punk rock attitude, energy and musical elements. The movement helped to transcend and defuse racial tensions in Thatcher-era Britain. The actual black and white chequered imagery of 2-Tone has become almost as famous as the music itself.”
