Artists: Steel Pulse

Steel Pulse first came together at school, in Handsworth, Birmingham, where the original members decided to form a band in 1975. Quickly securing a one off singles deal with Anchor Records, the release wasn't really representative of the bands future sound or direction. The single was more a pop song and whilst Steel Pulse explored a number of different styles over the years, they are perhaps Britain's Premier reggae band. Steel Pulse attracted attention through their extensive gig schedule, which became even busier when punk hit its stride in 1977. The band also performed at many Rock Against Racism gigs during this period.

Signing to Island Records in 1978, Steel Pulse released the debut album ‘Handsworth Revolution’, which also featured the hit single ‘Ku Klux Klan’, which has stayed in the bands live set to this day.

As stated initially, Steel Pulse started out playing concerts with punk bands as part of the Rock Against Racism movement, which was popular in the late seventies. However subsequent releases and touring, took the band further afield than the U.K. and particularly to America. Here Steel Pulse was invited to play at President Bill Clinton’s inauguration as well as being nominated for a Grammy award.