Earl Gateshead is the selector and leader of Trojan Sound System, the official sound of Troja Records. Today he tours the globe playing records from the extensive Trojan catalogue, spreading the original message from Jamaica’s golden era of reggae music. Recent shows include Glastonbury, Bestival & Rototom festival and club events at London’s biggest venue, Fabric.
Earl began DJing in 1979 when he played reggae records between punk bands in Brixton and was heavily influenced by the Trojan releases of the time.
In the spirit of the times he also built his own sound system and installed it at the famous Dive Bar in Soho, where he established a respected reputation throughout London. Earl completed a 20 year residency at The Dive Bar, which was brought to an end in 2002 when the venue closed.
Throughout the later part of his Dive Bar years Earl also became the Saturday night resident at clubs such as the internationally acclaimed Blue Note and later Fabric, where he became their resident roots reggae specialist.
In 2000 Earl began to organise and perform at a series of events called ‘Reggae Nights’. This legendary series of concerts received world-wide attention, with performances from artists such as Alton Ellis, Dennis Alcapone, Adrian Sherwood and Saxon Sound System. He then went on to tour Europe and Australasia with Big Youth, Dr Alimantado and Cutty Ranks amongst others.
Earl currently runs a monthly event in London called ‘Rootikal’ at East Village alongside his co-resident and long-time friend, David Rodigan.
The New Zealand massive can catch Earl in February 2010. Gig details soon come.
Big up to Earl Gateshead for his Top Ten tunes for January 2010.
1. U – Roy – Natty Rebel
2. Bongo Herman and Bunny – Know Far I
3. Pharoah Saunders – The Creator Has A Master Plan
4. Ijahman Levi – Thank You
5. Sizzla – Solid as A Rock
6. Richie Spice – Blood Again
7. Gappy Ranks – Mountain Top
8. The Abbysinians – Declaration Of Rights
9. Ronnie Davis – False Leaders
10. Willis Jackson – Nuther’n like Tuther’n
