S

Steel Pulse

Handsworth, United Kingdom, GB

folk

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

7 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 Southampton County, VA Sioux Territory, SD Apache Territory, AZ
"The Blood of Marcus, the blood of Malcolm goes running through my veins"
Babylon Makes The Rules
Chant A Psalm
Easy Street
Earth Crisis
Handsworth Revolution
South of Africa Handsworth
Ku Klux Klan
Appalachian Region, WV
Leggo Beast
Uptown yard
Not King James Version
Prodigal Son
Sodom and Gomorrah
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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