Steel Pulse is a seminal British reggae band formed in 1975 in the Handsworth area of Birmingham, England. The original lineup consisted of David Hinds (lead vocals, guitar), Basil Gabbidon (lead guitar, vocals), and Ronald McQueen (bass). Inspired by the music of Bob Marley and The Wailers, they sought to infuse reggae with a distinct British perspective, addressing social and political issues pertinent to their community. Their debut single, "Kibudu, Mansetta And Abuku," released on the independent label Dip, highlighted the struggles of urban black youth and their connection to Africa. This was followed by "Nyah Luv" for Anchor Records.
Facing initial resistance from local Caribbean venues due to their Rastafarian beliefs, Steel Pulse found an audience in the burgeoning punk scene of the mid-1970s, performing at venues like the Hope and Anchor in London and The Electric Circus in Manchester. Aligning with the Rock Against Racism movement, they toured with punk bands such as The Stranglers and XTC, broadening their reach and emphasizing their anti-racist stance. Their association with Burning Spear led to a contract with Island Records. In 1978, they released their debut album, "Handsworth Revolution," a landmark in British reggae that addressed themes of racial injustice and social consciousness. The album featured tracks like "Ku Klux Klan," a powerful denunciation of racism.
Subsequent albums, "Tribute to the Martyrs" (1979) and "Caught You" (1980), solidified their reputation. However, tensions with Island Records led to their departure. In 1982, they released "True Democracy" under their own label, Wise Man Doctrine, distributed by Elektra Records in the U.S. This album included "Rally Round," a tribute to Marcus Garvey. "Earth Crisis" (1984) followed, continuing their commitment to social commentary.
Their 1986 album, "Babylon the Bandit," won the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album, making them the first non-Jamaican act to achieve this honor. The late 1980s and 1990s saw continued success with albums like "State of Emergency" (1988) and "Victims" (1991). They became the first reggae band to appear on "The Tonight Show" in the U.S., expanding their international profile. In 1992, they released "Rastafari Centennial," a live album recorded in Paris, celebrating the 100th anniversary of Haile Selassie's birth. The 2000s marked a return to their roots with "African Holocaust" (2004), featuring collaborations with artists like Damian Marley and Capleton.
The album addressed issues like climate change and political corruption. After a 15-year hiatus from studio recordings, they released "Mass Manipulation" in 2019, which was nominated for a Grammy Award. As of 2025, Steel Pulse continues to tour globally, bringing their message of social justice and unity to audiences worldwide. Their enduring influence on reggae music and commitment to activism have solidified their legacy as pioneers in the genre.
