ABOUT
GABBIDON
Led by Basil Gabbidon, founding member of Steel Pulse, one of the biggest Reggae bands to come out of Birmingham and the UK, GABBIDON makes sure that Reggae music remains live in Birmingham, the UK, Europe and Worldwide.
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Basil Gabbidon has had a varied and successful career in Reggae music as lead guitarist, singer and songwriter for the last 4 decades.
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Basil taught himself the guitar when he was 14 after hearing Nimey’s song ‘Blood and Fire’ and the ‘Catch A Fire’ album by Bob Marley and the Wailers. Whilst in secondary school, he formed the world-renowned band Steel Pulse with his schoolfriend David Hinds and recorded the first 4 albums (Handsworth Revolution, Tribute to the Martyrs, Caught You and True Democracy).
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Basil toured with Steel Pulse for 7 years playing alongside Bob Marley and the Wailers, Third World, The Stranglers, The Police, Lee "Scratch" Perry, and many more. After leaving Steel Pulse, Basil recorded a total of 6 albums, experimenting with new ideas and new sounds whilst still maintaining the Steel Pulse flavour.
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Basil’s creativity continues to rejuvenate and resurge, and with the collaboration of Burning Spears' legendary bass player, Paul Beckford, he recorded his latest album 'Let's Live' , released in October 2021.
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Basil launched a joint venture named ‘Reggae Rockz’ with ArtsFest and Symphony Hall (Birmingham), performing at Centenary Square in front of a 10,000 strong audience showcasing artists such as Dawn Penn and Neville Staples on the night.
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Gabbidon have played at various international and national festivals at venues which include: supporting Lee Perry at Brixton Academy (2019), Bob Marley & the Wailers, Rock Against Racism, Jamaica’s Reggae Sunsplash, LA Watts Festival, Chiemsee Festival (Germany), Glastonbury, Birmingham’s ArtsFest, Irie Vibes Festival, Soweto Kinch’s Flyover Show, the Glade Festival, Birmingham’s Simmer Down, headlining Birmingham’s LoveMusicHateRacism event. Gabbidon regularly play at the Birmingham Jam House. The list is not exhaustive and several European festivals can be added.
Facebook.com/Gabbidon band
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Paul Beckford
The legendary bass player with Burning Spear
Karimah
More than just a vocalist, Karimah is an exceptional creative fun loving musician
Catherine Beroard-Gabbidon
All the way from Martinique, a most beautiful and original vocal sound
Massive support from
CG on Drums - Drums and master fine artist
Cherrie Morrison -
P.R., Road Manager (Backing Vocalist)
