Backstage following Stiff Little Fingers’ typically rambunctious performance at The Robin in Bilston, near Wolverhampton, on March 29th 2013, I caught up with their leader Jake Burns to explore the legendary punk band’s deep-rooted affinity to reggae.
A brooding, edgy rendition of Bob Marley And The Wailers’ ‘Johnny Was’ featured on their debut album ‘Inflammable Material’ (1979), while Bunny Wailer’s ‘Roots Radics Rockers Reggae’ was given a full-on punk makeover on their third album ‘Go For It’ (1981).
Between these, the Wailing Souls’ ‘Mr Fire Coal Man’ had been included on a double A-side single, alongside the band’s own ‘Back To Front’.
Stiff Little Fingers (left to right): Jake Burns, Ali McMordie, Steve Grantley, Ian McCallum.(c) Glen Lockley.
LEGENDARY REGGAE 