Steel Pulse originally formed at Handsworth Wood Boys School, Birmingham, and comprised David Hinds (lead vocals, guitar), Basil Gabbidon (lead guitar, vocals) and Ronnie McQueen (bass).
However, it is Hinds who, as songwriter, has always been the engine behind Steel Pulse, from their early days establishing themselves in the Birmingham club scene onwards. Formed in 1975, their debut release, 'Kibudu, Mansetta And Abuku" arrived on the small independent label Dip, and linked the plight of urban black youth with the image of a greater African homeland. They followed it with 'Nyah Love' for Anchor.
Surprisingly, they were initially refused live dates in Caribbean venues in the Midlands because of their Rastafarian beliefs. Aligning themselves closely with the Rock Against Racism 1 organisation, they chose to tour instead with sympathetic elements of the punk movement, including the Stranglers, XTC etc.: "Punks had a way of enjoying themselves - throw hordes at you, beer, spit at you, that kind of thing".
Eventually they found a more natural home in support slots for Burning Spear, which brought them to the attention of Island Records. Their first release for Island was the 'Ku Klux Klan' 45 rpm, a considered tilt at the evils of racism, and one often accompanied by a visual parody of the sect on stage.
By this time their ranks had swelled to include Selwyn 'Bumbo' Brown (keyboards), Steve 'Grizzly' Nesbitt (drums), Fonso Martin (vocals, percussion) and Michael Riley (vocals). Handsworth Revolution was an accomplished long playing debut and one of the major landmarks in the evolution of British reggae.
However, despite critical and moderate commercial success over three albums, the relationship with Island had soured by the advent of Caught You (released in the US as Reggae Fever). They switched to Elektra, and unveiled their most consistent collection of songs since their debut with True Democracy, distinguished by the Garveyeulogising 'Rally Around' cut.
A further definitive set arrived in Earth Crisis. Unfortunately, Elektra chose to take a leaf out of Island's book in trying to coerce Steel Pulse into a more mainstream vein, asking them to emulate the pop-reggae stance of Eddy Grant. Babylon Bandit was consequently weakened, but did contain the anthemic 'Not King james Version', which was a powerful indictment on the omission of black people and history from certain versions of the Bible.
Their next move was id Hinds of Steel Pulse to MCA for State Of Emergency, which retained some of the synthesized dance elements of its predecessor. Though it was a significantly happier compromise, it still paled before any of their earlier albums.
Rastafari Centennial was recorded live at the Elysee Montmarte in Paris, and dedicated to the hundred year anniversary of the birth of Haile Selassie. It was the first recording since the defection of Fonso Martin, leaving the trio of David Hinds, Steve Nisbett and Selwyn Brown.
While they still faced inverted snobbery at the hands of British reggae fans, in America their reputation was growing, becoming the first ever reggae band to appear on the Tonight television show. Their profile was raised further when, in 1992, Hinds challenged the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission in the Supreme High Court, asserting that their cab drivers discriminated against black people in general and Rastas in particular.
Drummer Steve "Grizzly" Nisbett (15 March 1948 – 18 January 2018) died in 2018.
The band are still recording and touring.
Ravers
Steel Pulse Lyrics
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Woops outside your head
Crucial and red
When the sun goes down Me little moonshine darling
And you're in the mood for love and you feel like dancing
Rub it up Rub it up Rub it up Rub it up
Boogie to some music
Boogie to some music
Boogie to some music
Boogie to some music
Come mek we go deh in a rub a dub (stylee)
A dis ya ridim drive the whole world (wile)
Come mek we go deh in bang diddly bang (stylee)
I wanna know how you're feeling (irie)
Sounds call ravers
Got you craving for more
Sounds call ravers
Got you craving for more
Come mek we go deh in a rub a dub (stylee)
A dis ya ridim drive the whole world (wile)
Come mek we go deh in bang diddly bang (stylee)
I wanna know how you're feeling (irie)
Reggae bandwagon is the fashion that's going around
Dub masters back in town with the fashion that's going around
Didn't you hear
Woops outside your head
Woops outside your head
Crucial and red
Woops outside your head
Woops outside your head
Woops outside your head
Disco blaring through the window
Ravers sounds got full control
A new day is dawning arrives without warning
Chart busting sounds to rock down the house say
Boogie to ze muzik
Boogie to ze muzik
Boogie to ze muzik
Boogie to ze muzik
Reggae bandwagon is the fashion that's going around
Reggae bandwagon is the fashion that's going around
So when the sun goes down me little moonshine darling
And you're in the mood for love and you feel like dancing
Rub it up rub it up rub it up rub it up
Sounds call ravers
Got you craving for more
Sounds call ravers
Got you craving for more
Come mek we go deh in a rub a dub (stylee)
A dis ya ridim drive the whole world (wile)
Come mek we go deh in bang diddly bang (stylee)
I wanna know how you're feeling (irie)
Woops outside your head (reggae bandwagon)
Woops outside your head (a reggae)
Woops outside your head (reggae bandwagon)
Crucial and red (a reggae)
Come mek we go deh in a earthman (stylee)
Come mek we go deh in bang diddly bang (stylee)
I wanna know how you're feeling (irie)
I wanna know how you're feeling (irie)
Got you craving for more
Got you craving for more
Got you craving for more
More and more, more and more, more
The song "Ravers" by Steel Pulse is a classic reggae dance track that urges listeners to let loose and enjoy life to the fullest. The opening line, "Woops outside your head, Crucial and red," sets the tone for the upbeat and lively song. The chorus repeats the line "Sounds call ravers, got you craving for more" and encourages listeners to keep dancing and enjoying the music.
The lyrics also reference the popularity of reggae music, with lines like "Reggae bandwagon is the fashion that's going around" and "Dub masters back in town with the fashion that's going around." The song celebrates the unique rhythm and beat of reggae music and its ability to bring people together on the dance floor.
The verses of the song include instructions to "Boogie to some music" and "Rub it up," encouraging the listeners to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the joy of dancing. The chorus repeats the line "Come mek we go deh in a rub a dub (stylee)," which means "Let's go to a party and dance," emphasizing the infectious energy of reggae music and its ability to bring people together.
Line by Line Meaning
Woops outside your head
Enjoyment and excitement abound
Woops outside your head
The party's just getting started
Crucial and red
Intense and passionate vibes are in the air
When the sun goes down Me little moonshine darling
As night falls and the mood gets romantic
And you're in the mood for love and you feel like dancing
When you want to move your body to the beat of love
Rub it up Rub it up Rub it up Rub it up
Get ready to dance
Boogie to some music
Move your body to the rhythm
Come mek we go deh in a rub a dub (stylee)
Let's go to a dub reggae party
A dis ya ridim drive the whole world (wile)
The music is so good it can make anyone go crazy
Come mek we go deh in bang diddly bang (stylee)
Let's go to a lively, energetic party
I wanna know how you're feeling (irie)
I'm curious about your mood and energy
Sounds call ravers
The music is calling all party-goers
Got you craving for more
You can't get enough of the music
Reggae bandwagon is the fashion that's going around
Reggae music is very popular right now
Dub masters back in town with the fashion that's going around
Dub music is making a comeback
Disco blaring through the window
Disco music is being played loudly
Ravers sounds got full control
The sound of ravers music is taking over the party
A new day is dawning arrives without warning
The party will go on until the morning light
Chart busting sounds to rock down the house say
The music is so good, it's shaking the foundation of the house
Come mek we go deh in a earthman (stylee)
Let's go to a roots reggae party
Got you craving for more
You want to keep dancing and partying
More and more, more and more, more
The party only gets better with time
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DAVID ROBERT HINDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind