Johnny Osbourne, Blood & Fire Soundsystem

Johnny Osbourne is one of the most popular Jamaican reggae and dancehall singers of all time. His 1979 album Truths and Rights on the legendary Studio One label of Sir Coxsone Dodd is widely considered one of the greatest roots reggae albums of all time, featuring tracks such as “We Need Love” “Jah Promise” and the album’s classic title track, “Truths and Rights”.

The success of the album led to Osbourne being in demand at studios all over Kingston and the next year saw continuing success when he combined with the producer Prince Jammy on a string of albums including ‘Folly Ranking’ and ‘Fally Lover’ . Singles such as “Jahoviah”, “In Your Eyes”, “Buddy Bye”, “Ice Cream Love” and “Water Pumping” all followed leading to Osbourne being named the ‘Godfather of Dancehall’.

Blessed with a sweet soulful voice Johnny Osbourne is backed by the Upper Cut Band, widely regarded as one of the best reggae bands in the country. The band are known for their dynamic interpretations of classic Jamaican rhythms and have recently toured with artists such as Little Roy, Addis Pablo and Garnett Silk JR as well as having regular slots at festivals with Solo Banton and Horseman. The band have recently been performing live with legendary dub producer ‘Scientist’ who utilised classic Johnny Osbourne vocals such as ‘Give A Little Love’, ‘Never Stop Fighting’ and ‘No Lollipop No Sweet So’ on his classic dub albums ‘Scientist Wins The World Cup’ and ‘Scientist Rids the World of the Evil Curse of the Vampires’.

With a voice like fine wine Johnny Osbourne is still in demand across the world, recently he has been touring with Sly & Robbie on their Taxi Gang showcase as well as appearing on tracks by the likes of Mungo’s Hi Fi and Major Lazer.

Supporting Osbourne on the night we are thrilled to have Manchester based selector ‘Dom’ of the legendary Blood and Fire record label. Dom Blood and Fire aka King Spinna has run nights with Mr Scruff, Electric Chair and Daddy G (Massive Attack) and was invited with the Blood & Fire label to play the Royal Festival Hall to be part of John Peel’s Meltdown festival. Dom has played killer sets all over the world selecting tunes with the cream of Jamaican talent from U-Roy to Horace Andy.
Chapter 4 will also be providing the support selections before and after the show, this being the latest in the long running ‘Chapter 4 presents’ nights that have seen the likes of Lee Scratch Perry, Macka B, Prince Fatty and Horseman and Don Letts coming to the green valleys of Calderdale.

Johnny Osbourne rarely tours the UK so this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see a true reggae legend in an intimate venue.