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.
Peace Party
Steel Pulse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
David Hinds
JAH say now
Unite now
JAH say Yeah
Let's take a look at situation out there
Nation rise against nation
We are all one creation
Why there is always so much hate
I wanna know
Let's change before it's all too late
CHORUS
So come along and party
Togetherness for everybody
Come along and party
It's unity for everybody oh
Let segregation be a thing of the past
And put the future before us
Where there's a will there is always a way
Together and we'll be victorious woe!
It's time to sip from the cup of peace oh yeah now
Let's strive for racial equality
CHORUS
Please accept my invitation
Leave all weapons at the door
What the hell are we fighting for
CHORUS
let us join forces and live as one
Live as one live as one
Peace to mankind under JAH JAH son
JAH JAH son JAH JAH son
Let us join forces and live as one
Live as one live as one
Peace to mankind under JAH JAH son
Ooh -ay
We're having a party
Reunion Party
Come everybody
Togetherness for everybody
Come-a-come-a-come-a-come-a
An invitaiton to you yes sir
Each and everyone
Were organizing a big party
Where there's lot's of fun
So plot the course for
I and I together live as one
Come-a-come-a-come-a-come-a
Steel Pulse's song Peace Party is a call for unity and peace amidst the rising conflicts between nations that have never been a part of God's plan. The song highlights the importance of coming together and ending segregation to achieve racial equality. The lyrics ask the listeners why there is always so much hate and implore them to change before it is too late. The chorus encourages the audience to come along and party together, striving for togetherness and unity for everybody. The song emphasizes the need to leave all weapons at the door, promoting peace and love for mankind under Jah Jah's son.
Line by Line Meaning
Let's take a look at situation out there
Let's observe the situation in the world
Nation rise against nation
Countries fight with other countries
It was never ever part of JAH plan
God never intended for this to happen
We are all one creation
We are all equal human beings
Why there is always so much hate
Why is there always so much hatred
I wanna know
I want to understand
Let's change before it's all too late
Let's make a change before it's too late
CHORUS
Refrain of the song
So come along and party
Let's come together and celebrate
Togetherness for everybody
Unity for all
Let segregation be a thing of the past
Let's get rid of racial segregation
And put the future before us
Let's focus on the future
Where there's a will there is always a way
If there's determination, there's always a solution
Together and we'll be victorious woe!
Together we can win
It's time to sip from the cup of peace oh yeah now
It's time to embrace peace and unity
Let's strive for racial equality
Let's work towards equal treatment of all races
Please accept my invitation
Please join me
Leave all weapons at the door
Let's not bring weapons
What the hell are we fighting for
Why are we even fighting?
CHORUS
Refrain of the song
let us join forces and live as one
Let's come together and live in unity
Peace to mankind under JAH JAH son
Let peace be with all of us under God's guidance
Ooh -ay
Vocalization
We're having a party
We're celebrating
Reunion Party
A gathering where people reunite
Come everybody
Everyone is invited
Togetherness for everybody
Unity for all
Come-a-come-a-come-a-come-a
Vocalization
An invitaiton to you yes sir
An invitation to you
Each and everyone
Every individual
Were organizing a big party
We're arranging a large celebration
Where there's lot's of fun
Where there will be lots of enjoyment
So plot the course for
Plan your path for
I and I together live as one
We live together in unity
Come-a-come-a-come-a-come-a
Vocalization
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DAVID ROBERT HINDS, SELWYN DELRAINZE BROWN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Ana Martinez
so good I just love them music !!!
ZouZou
Amaaaazing song !
Cheikh Tidiane NDAO
@***** Yes! Like too. Bless up:)
Bonaventure Djamie
A chef d'oeuvre of reggae !
Pierre Wofo
Party, come every body...
POÑO 8888
Brother Grizzly Ride On High ,