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Steel Pulse

Handsworth, United Kingdom, GB

folk Popularity: 59

Did You Know

  • • Steel Pulse formed in Birmingham, UK, amidst racial tensions in the Handsworth neighborhood.
  • • Their debut album, *Handsworth Revolution*, is considered a cornerstone of British reggae.
  • • They were the first non-Jamaican band to win a Grammy for Best Reggae Album.
  • • Early gigs were often met with hostility due to their outspoken Rastafarian beliefs.
  • • Steel Pulse toured with Bob Marley in 1980, a pivotal moment for their international exposure.
  • • Their song "Ku Klux Klan" uses theatrical performance, featuring KKK costumes, to address racism.
  • • The band's name was inspired by a local Birmingham racetrack, reflecting their working-class roots.
  • • Steel Pulse collaborated with Stevie Wonder on the soundtrack for Spike Lee's *Do the Right Thing*.
  • • They successfully sued Coors Brewing Company over unauthorized use of their music in an ad.
  • • David Hinds, the band's frontman, remains the driving force, ensuring the group's enduring legacy.
  • • Steel Pulse formed in Birmingham, England, amidst racial tensions in the 1970s.
  • • Their debut album, *Handsworth Revolution*, is considered a landmark in British reggae.
  • • Early gigs faced venue cancellations due to their politically charged lyrics.
  • • Steel Pulse's song "Ku Klux Klan" directly confronted racism and social injustice.
  • • They collaborated with Bob Marley's son, Stephen, on the album *Rage and Fury*.
  • • The band's name references the steel industry prevalent in their hometown.
  • • Island Records initially hesitated to sign them due to their radical message.
  • • David Hinds, the lead singer, is the only remaining original member.
  • • Steel Pulse brought conscious lyrics and a punk ethos to the reggae genre.

Locations in Lyrics

3 location references across 17 songs

Songs & Places

A Who Responsible?
Atlanta, GA Deptford, NJ
"Talking down south Atlanta killings"
Born fe Rebel
New York City, NY Omaha, NE , VA , SD , AZ
"The Blood of Marcus, the blood of Malcolm goes running through my veins"
Babylon Makes The Rules
Chant A Psalm
Earth Crisis
Handsworth Revolution
Handsworth
Ku Klux Klan
, WV
Leggo Beast
Uptown yard
Not King James Version
Prodigal Son
Rally round - live
Ravers
Roller Skates
sidewalk street corner
Soldiers
Steppin’ Out
Wild Goose Chase
Worth His Weight in Gold (Rally Round)
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