The Ruts were a real band that played real punk music and real reggae crossover. I have argued with other Clash fans are numerous occasions that where The Clash embraced reggae, they never recorded anything that remotely touched the awesome Jah War. Come to think of it, not many groups released anything quite as powerful as H-Eyes neither. And commercially speaking, what better example is there of a top 10 punk/pop song than The Ruts second single, Babylon’s Burning?
The Ruts are sometimes forgotten or overlooked, and if it wasn’t for the death of singer Malcolm Owen in 1980 aged 26, they would no doubt have recorded many more songs of punk aggression, dub reggae intensity underlined with a heavy political message.
The Ruts consisted of Malcolm Owen (vocals), Paul Fox (guitar), John “Segs” Jennings (bass) and Dave Ruffy (drums). Jah War is about the Special Patrol Group’s violence in Southall in 1979, in which Blair Peach was beaten to death and Clarence Baker was severely injured.
Following Malcolm Owen’s death the other members continued their interest with dub reggae as Ruts DC.
Last year the former Ruts guitarist Paul Fox was diagnosed with lung cancer and died on October 21 aged 56, at his home in Uxbridge. Following his diagnosis a benefit gig was organised featuring the likes of The Damned, Misty In Roots, The UK Subs and Tom Robinson.
As a tribute to Paul Fox and Malcolm Owen, on Friday 25th January at Shepherd’s Bush Empire there will be a special screening of an amazing film, featuring highlights of the benefit gig, plus the thoughts of some of those involved. Henry Rollins will be there to introduce the film talk about The Ruts, their music and the gig. The evening is in aid of Macmillan Cancer.
Tickets available from TicketWeb or Ticketmaster.
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