Roots Radics

The Roots Radics Band was formed in 1978 by bass player Errol "Flabba" Holt, guitarist Eric "Bingy Bunny" Lamont and drummer Lincoln "Style" Scott. They were joined by many musicians, including guitarist Noel "Sowell" Bailey, Dwight Pinkney and Steve Golding, keyboard player Wycliffe "Steelie" Johnson, Pianist Gladstone "Gladdy" Anderson and saxophonist Headley Bennett. As a combined force the Roots Radics became a well-respected studio and stage band, which dominated the sound in the first half of the 1980s. They supported artists like Bunny Wailer, Gregory Isaacs, Michael Prophet, Eek-A-Mouse, and Israel Vibration and have released several albums to their name as well.
As a sought after studio lineup, Roots Radics backed several well known reggae stars in the studio and on tour. For example, they appear on several Eek-A-Mouse albums: Bubble Up Yu Hip (1980), Wa-Do-Dem (1981), Skidip (1982), The Mouse and the Man (1983) and Assassinator (1983). They backed reggae superstar Gregory Isaacs on his classic album Night Nurse (1982), and are often credited on releases by Prince Far I, both on his solo recording work, and as part of producer Adrian Sherwood's studio supergroup Singers and Players.
Johnson went on to become half of the production duo Steely and Clevie. Bailey died from cancer in July 2014, aged 61. Lincoln 'Style' Scott was found dead in his home 9 October 2014.
(Read more at Wikipedia)
== Links to Peel ==
Roots Radics appeared frequently on Peel’s shows as the (usually uncredited) studio band at Channel One in Kingston, Jamaica, backing many leading reggae artists in the first half of the 1980s, following the departure of rhythm section Sly Dunbar and Robbie Shakespeare from earlier Revolutionaries lineups.
The DJ also played Roots Radics music in the form of dubs put out under the names of leading producers and engineers, most notably in album series from Scientist(2) (released by Greensleeves Records) and Prince Far I (“Cry Tuff”, billed as The Arabs).
As a touring outfit, Roots Radics recorded two sessions for the Peel show, both with Gregory Isaacs.
Roots Radics drummer Sly Scott would become a long-time collaborator of UK producer (and Prince Far I protege) Adrian Sherwood, especially with Dub Syndicate, who were often played by Peel.
== Festive Fifty Entries ==
*No entries.
== Sessions ==
Two sessions, both with Gregory Isaacs. All tracks except ‘Permanent Lover” from #1 released on The Lonely Lover – Deluxe Edition 2010, digital (Goldenlane).
1. Recorded: 1981-10-26. First broadcast 05 November 1981. Repeated 24 November 1981.
*The Front Door / Permanent Lover / Confirm Reservation / Substitute
2. Recorded: 1982-11-27. First broadcast 06 December 1982. Repeated 06 January 1983.
*That's Not The Way / Sad To Know You're Leaving / Cool Down The Pace / Night Nurse Repeated
== Other Shows Played ==
;1981
*04 February 1981: Scientist(2): Time Warp (album - Scientist Meets The Space Invaders) Greensleeves GREL 19 (John again describes this as by Roots Radics who are the backing band)
*17 September 1981 (BFBS) (with Scientist(2)): Fighting Radics (album - Scientist Meets The Roots Radics) Selena SLP 001
*Peel September 1981 (with Scientist(2)): Forward Dis Ya Dub (album - Scientist Meets The Roots Radics) Selena SLP 001
*21 September 1981 (with Scientist(2)): Jah Is Love (album - Scientist Meets The Roots Radics) Selena SLP 001
*24 September 1981 (BFBS) (with Scientist(2)): Wa Di Is Free (LP - Scientist Meets The Roots Radics) Selena
*22 November 1981 (BFBS) (with King Tubby): Rice Grain Rock (album - Dangerous Dub) Copasetic COP LP 5002
;1982
*28 March 1982 (BFBS) (with Scientist(2) & Prince Jammy): Flash Gordon Meets Luke Skywalker (album - Scientist And Jammy Strike Back!) Trojan TRLS 210
*14 April 1982 (BFBS) (with Scientist(2)& Prince Jammy): The Princess Takes Her Revenge (album - Scientist And Jammy Strike Back!) Trojan TRLS 210
;1984
*04 July 1984 (as Arabs): Ghardaia Dub (album - Crytuff Dub Encounter Chapter 1) Hitrun AP LP 9002
;1987
*07 January 1987 (with Bim Sherman, Dub Syndicate & The Voluntary): Haunting Ground (LP - Haunting Ground) RDL
*12 January 1987 (with Bim Sherman, Dub Syndicate & The Voluntary): War Mongers (LP - Haunting Ground) RDL
== See Also ==
*Sessions (Artists I)
*Reggae Sessions
== External Links ==
*Wikipedia
*Discogs
*rootsradicshq.blogspot.com
Category:Artists