Lee Scratch Perry

Brighton may be generally well served for a wide variety of musical joys, but a visit from true rock’n’roll royalty is still a rare treat. That’s exactly what a jam-packed Concorde 2 was treated to as reggae legend Lee Scratch Perry strolled into town, tipping his gold-encrusted cap to his assembled masses, and treating them to the best evening of skanking imaginable. The dub pioneer still exudes a strange and infectious magnetism that instantly drew the eclectic crowd into his grasp as his faultless band made the audience come together and move as one to their stripped down beat. The 75-year-old’s voice may be rougher and his movements may be slower, but this is no money-spinning, soulless trip down memory lane – Perry’s music is as relevant now as it has ever been, and the old King of Rocksteady still deserves his place on the throne.

Concorde 2, 26 January 2012

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