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.
Dub Marcus Say
Steel Pulse Lyrics
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All songs written by David Hinds
Except "Your House" written by Phonso Martin
All songs published by Pulse Music Ltd
Produced by Karl Pitterson for IRM Productions
Engineered by Dennis Thompson
Jens Nielson and Ole Lauritsen
Musik Makers:
Ronald "Stepper" McQueen - Bass
Steve "Grizzly" Nesbitt - Drums
Selwyn "Bumbo" Brown - Keyboards & Vocals
Phonso Martin - Guitar & Vocals
David Hinds - Guitar & Vocals
Basil Gabbidon - Lead guitar
The lyrics to Steel Pulse's song "Dub' Marcus Say" speak to the legacy of Marcus Garvey, a Jamaican political leader and prominent figure in the Pan-African movement. The song opens with a brief spoken-word intro by a Rasta elder, emphasizing the importance of Garvey's teaching and their continued relevance in contemporary times. The song then shifts into a driving reggae beat, with lyrics describing Garvey's vision for unity and empowerment among people of color around the world. The chorus repeats the phrase "Dub' Marcus say, we're entitled to our heritage," highlighting the centrality of cultural identity and history in the struggle for liberation. The song closes with a repeated refrain of "strength," underscoring the resilience and determination of Garvey's followers.
Overall, "Dub' Marcus Say" is a powerful tribute to the lasting impact of Marcus Garvey's ideas and the ongoing fight for social justice. The lyrics affirm the importance of embracing and celebrating one's cultural roots as a means of asserting one's worth and demanding equal treatment. Additionally, the song warns against complacency or relying on external sources for validation or support. Instead, it encourages listeners to draw strength from within and work together in pursuit of common goals.
Line by Line Meaning
Dub Marcus say, he no want no glamour
Dub Marcus declares that he doesn't want to be wrapped up in the glitz and glam of society.
Dub Marcus say, he no want no fame
Dub Marcus expresses that he doesn't desire to be famous or in the spotlight.
One thing wey him want, right now, right now
He does however want one thing, and that is to have that specific desire fulfilled immediately.
The whole ah dem fi try stop wey him want
Others are attempting to halt or prevent him from obtaining whatever it is that he desires.
Well I 'n' I sound, we call it power
The phrase 'I 'n' I sound' indicates that the singer and Dub Marcus are united in their beliefs and they view their unified power as a force to be reckoned with.
Cah it strong like a lion, it will never sour
Their power and message is unwavering and will always remain just as strong as a lion.
Dub Marcus say, he no want no gold
Dub Marcus explains that he isn't interested in obtaining material wealth or riches, specifically gold.
Dub Marcus say, he no want no diamonds
Dub Marcus proclaims that he also isn't interested in obtaining precious diamonds or any other valuable jewels.
Dub Marcus say, he no want no money
Dub Marcus firmly declares that he has no desire for money or wealth of any kind.
Dub Marcus say, that's nothin for I 'n' I
Dub Marcus believes that the aforementioned material possessions are insignificant or hold no value for him or the unity between himself and the singer.
He never disrespect his black woman
Dub Marcus makes it known that he never disrespects or mistreats black women in his life.
In every creation, she play her role
He acknowledges that black women play an important role in every aspect of life.
So every day and every night
Dub Marcus believes in respecting and valuing black women every day and night.
He gives them the utmost love and respect in sight
Dub Marcus displays his love and respect for black women by treating them with the highest level of dignity and honor possible.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DAVID ROBERT HINDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Lawrence Njawe
Magnificent. Steel Pulse didn't do many dubs, but the handful they produced were marvelous
Lawrence Njawe
Great credit to Ronnie Stepper McQueen. His incomparable bass lines just drives along on all early classic Steel Pulse tracks. We miss him dearly
daniel abrokwa jnr
These were the songs i grew up with in my time. Helped shape me into the an i am. Even though i don't keep dreads i thought me patience. Jah bless everybody!!
Jon B
Do you know what the song is about?
Shawn Michael Woolsey
I grew up with these songs as well. Praise Jehovah.
George Walker
YOU ARE NOT THE ONLY ONE
kensley joseph
is there anyone paying attention to the base line and the drumming?my my my can only imagine the drummer and base man smiling to each other as this hormony combines. steele pulse all the way. great tune
Josey Wailer
Go see them
Anne Kanku Kanza
This long version is just...Wow!
Rhode Trips
Amazing music!