Biography
Steel Pulse is a pioneering British roots reggae band formed in 1975 in the Handsworth area of Birmingham, England, by schoolmates David Hinds (lead singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter) and Basil Gabbidon, later joined by Ronnie 'Stepper' McQueen (bass)[1][2][3]. The members, children of West Indian immigrants, were inspired by the sounds and social messages of Bob Marley and the Wailers, as well as other Jamaican artists like Burning Spear[1][2][3]. Steel Pulse quickly became known for their uncompromising social commentary, addressing issues of racism and the Black British experience through the lens of Rastafarianism, and for their musical intricacy blending reggae with jazz, Latin, ska, and even punk influences[1][2][3][4].
Initially, the band faced resistance from local Caribbean venues due to their Rastafarian beliefs, but they found acceptance in the burgeoning punk scene, aligning themselves with the Rock Against Racism movement and opening for punk acts such as The Stranglers and The Clash[1][2][4]. Their debut album, 'Handsworth Revolution' (1978), is widely regarded as a landmark in British reggae, combining roots reggae with elements of punk and ska, and featuring enduring tracks like 'Ku Klux Klan,' which tackled the horrors of racism[1][2][3][4]. Steel Pulse continued to evolve musically, releasing a trilogy of influential albums on Island Records before moving to Elektra, where they produced the Grammy-winning 'Babylon the Bandit' (1986)[2][3].
Steel Pulse's legacy is marked by their role as one of the first international reggae bands to fuse African, salsa, and calypso beats with pop and rock, and by their commitment to social justice and activism[4][5]. Their innovative sound and powerful messages have earned them a substantial global audience and enduring respect among both reggae and punk communities. They remain active, revered by younger generations of artists, and continue to perform worldwide[5].
Fun Facts
- Steel Pulse was named after a racehorse suggested by founding bassist Ronnie 'Stepper' McQueen[3].
- They were the first reggae band to perform at a U.S. presidential inauguration, playing for President Bill Clinton in 1993[4].
- Their song 'Ku Klux Klan' was ranked #460 in Rolling Stone's 2020 edition of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time[1].
- Steel Pulse initially found more acceptance in punk venues than reggae clubs due to their Rastafarian beliefs[1][2].
Members
- Conrad Kelly - drums (drum set) (from 1994-11 until 2005)
- Selwyn Brown
- Alvin Ewen
- Basil Gabbidon
- David Hinds - guitar, lead vocals, original
- David Hinds
- Jerry Johnson
- Alphonso Martin
- Ronald McQueen
- Sidney Mills
- Steve Nisbett
- Errol Reid
- Mykaell Riley
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Bob Marley and the Wailers - Primary musical and ideological inspiration; Marley referred to Steel Pulse as a personal favorite. (Catch a Fire (inspired formation), European tour support) [1970s]
- Burning Spear - Influenced Steel Pulse's roots reggae style and social consciousness. (Roots-inspired material in early years) [1970s]
Key Collaborators
- David Hinds - Cofounder, lead singer, guitarist, primary songwriter (All Steel Pulse albums) [1975–present]
- Basil Gabbidon - Cofounder, guitarist (Handsworth Revolution, Tribute to the Martyrs) [1975–early 1980s]
- Ronnie 'Stepper' McQueen - Founding bassist (Handsworth Revolution, Tribute to the Martyrs) [1975–early 1980s]
- Selwyn 'Bumbo' Brown - Keyboardist/vocalist, core member (All major albums) [1975–present]
- Steve 'Grizzly' Nisbett - Drummer, key member (Handsworth Revolution and subsequent albums) [1977–2001]
- Alphonso 'Fonso' Martin - Percussionist/vocalist, early member (Handsworth Revolution and subsequent albums) [1977–1980s]
Artists Influenced
- Aswad - Steel Pulse helped pave the way for other British reggae bands like Aswad by breaking into the international scene. (Aswad's early albums and UK reggae movement) [Late 1970s–1980s]
- Contemporary British reggae and roots artists - Steel Pulse's fusion of reggae with punk, ska, and social activism inspired later UK reggae acts. (Various artists in the British reggae revival) [1980s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Earth Crisis | 2005-06-07 | Album |
| Smash Hits | 1993-01-15 | Album |
| True Democracy | 1982 | Album |
| True Democracy | 2005-02-08 | Album |
| Mass Manipulation | 2019-05-17 | Album |
| Reggae Greats | 1984 | Album |
| Babylon the Bandit | 1985-11-19 | Album |
| Reggae Greats | 1984 | Album |
| Caught You | 1980-01-01 | Album |
| Handsworth Revolution (Deluxe Edition) | 2015-03-23 | Album |
| Reggae Greats | 1984 | Album |
| Rastafari Centennial: Live In Paris - Elysee Montmartre | 1992-01-01 | Album |
| Tribute To The Martyrs | 1979 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Your House (True Democracy)
- Roller Skates (Earth Crisis)
- Your House (Smash Hits)
- Steppin' Out (Earth Crisis)
- Wild Goose Chase (Earth Crisis)
- Your House (True Democracy)
- Handsworth Revolution (Reggae Greats)
- Roller Skates (Smash Hits)
- Steppin' Out (Smash Hits)
- Not King James Version (Babylon the Bandit)
External Links
Tags: #birmingham, #england, #reggae
References
Heard on WWOZ
Steel Pulse has been played 2 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 9, 2025 | 20:10 | Sound Systemfrom Tribute To The Martyrs | Spirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno | |
| Oct 26, 2025 | 20:13 | Earth Crisisfrom Earth Crisis | Spirits of Congo Squarew/ Baba Geno |