Aswad – whose name means ‘black’ in Arabic – formed in 1975 in West London’s Ladbroke Grove and built their early reputation on four LP’s spanning 1976’s eponymous debut to 1982’s Not Satisfied plus singer Brinsley Forde’s spectacular performance in 1980s gritty reggae flick, Babylon (Forde had appeared as a child actor in the children’s TV series Here Come The Double Deckers).
But it was the Live And Direct album, their 1983 performance at the Notting Hill Carnival, that captured the then trio – Forde, Tony ‘Gad’ Robinson and Angus ‘Drummie Zeb’ Gaye – at their sunny best, delivering a greatest hits set backed by a blistering horn section featuring legendary soul trumpeter Eddie ‘Tan Tan’ Thornton.
Aswad’s commercial success (following 1988’s Don’t Turn Around) saw them take a more flexible musical approach, as demonstrated by the group supporting English pop icon Cliff Richard at his 1989 Wembley Stadium concerts.
Their first US tour came in 1991, following the release of their cover of The Eagles AOR classic, Best Of My Love.
Donald Griffiths
Vocals Brinsley Forde
Guitar, vocals George Oban
Bass Angus ‘Drummie Zeb’ Gaye
Drums Tony ‘Gad’ Robinson
Bass Courtney Hemmings Keyboards
Video
Related Posts
Supercharge Founded in 1974 by Liverpudlian tenor-saxophonist Albie Donnelly and drummer Dave Irving, Supercharge soon built up a cult following in…
Tom Robinson Band (TRB) In 1973, Tom Robinson formed an acoustic trio called Cafe Society with Herewood Kaye, a friend from Middlesborough, and Raphael…
Stevie Ray Vaughan Stevie Ray Vaughan was born on 3 October 1954 to Jim and Martha Vaughan and grew up dirt poor in…
Fad Gadget Effectively a monicker for UK-born vocalist and synthesizer player Frank Tovey, Fad Gadget enjoyed cult success with a series of…
Soul II Soul London-based Soul II Soul was one of the most innovative dance/R&B outfits of the late '80s, creating a seductive, deep…
Lords of the New Church Formed in 1982, Lords Of The New Church comprised punk pioneers Stiv Bators (The Dead Boys), Brian James (The Damned),…
John St Peeters Italian-born John St Peeters began his professional performing career during his early teens as Johnny Lo Piccolo, playing the piano…
Nutz (Rage) Formed in Liverpool, England, in 1973 by singer Dave Lloyd, guitar wizard Mick Devonport, bassist Keith Mulholland, and drummer John…
