Legendary music figure David Hinds, founder of influential reggae band Steel Pulse, has called for ‘more togetherness and reconciliation in Birmingham’ as the seminal act returns to the city for a 50th anniversary homecoming show.
Speaking to communities across the city and country at what he describes as an ‘incredibly challenging time for humanity’, the lead singer and guitarist has shared a message of hope and faith ‘in each other’ – a conviction central to the band’s rise to success over the past five decades.
Hinds said, “I stay current with issues affecting us all, at home and abroad. There are a lot of troubling developments and many are suffering across the world, with oppressive political regimes, invasions and war, human rights breaches, economic injustice and so on.
“I also see that people are hurting from the struggle. The parallels between now and 50 years ago, when Steel Pulse first formed, are frightening.
“That was the era where Thatcher took control, the Troubles in Northern Ireland were worsening and the Birmingham Six were wrongfully imprisoned, the National Front was active, inciting racism, emergency services were striking, and life was hard for the working class in Britain – particularly our Black and Asian communities.
“Yes, the journey was hard and prejudice and hatred was prevalent in many parts of our lives. It was for some of those reasons, Steel Pulse chose to write, produce and perform the lyrics and music we did then, and still continue to now.
“As a global community, things eventually improved for a lot of people. There was a sense of togetherness at points that helped us to evolve and progress, and it is that sense of unity that is needed in the world now more than ever.
“The power of our respective cultures to live side by side and enrich our society is what strengthens our shared lives – not the decisions of the bankers, politicians, military etc – and music is the universal language through which we come together to celebrate both our similarities and our differences.
“People can take comfort in the power to heal each other through community.
“I see the challenges that our brothers and sisters in Birmingham face. It has not been an easy few years for people in the city that we owe so much to.
“Yet the value of Birmingham lies in its people. We can, and will overcome, through togetherness and reconciliation.”
Initially founded by David Hinds, who remains a member to this day, with Basil Gabbidon, and Ronald McQueen, Steel Pulse formed in 1975 – inspired by a love of Bob Marley & The Wailers. Whilst they would go on to support the icon on a European concert tour in 1978, they found themselves lifted with the arrival of the first wave of Punk.
Lead singer and guitarist, David Hinds’ creativity, human persona, and visionary views are revealed through inspiring compositions that capture the effects of the African Diaspora. As reggae revolutionaries, Steel Pulse are revered by the younger generation of artists and remains a powerhouse on stages around the globe.
Steel Pulse brought their righteous anger and fire to the world: this is a band that does things its own way. Their debut Handsworth Revolution album was a Top Ten hit.
And so, after 50 years, the story continues: the band’s twelfth studio production, Mass Manipulation, reflects decades committed to bettering mankind through music.
Tickets for Steel Pulse’s 50th Anniversary homecoming show at 02 Institute Birmingham on Friday 14 March 2025 featuring support from The Selecter priced £41.50 plus booking fee, are available now via www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/steel-pulse