The Skatalites have announced they will be returning to Australia to celebrate their 50th Anniversary, this December.
The group, made up of a collective of some of Jamaica’s finest musicians, defined the sound of ska in the ’50s and ’60s. After forming in 1964, the group were only offically together for 14 months,but in that time they changed the shape of Jamaican popular music as chief proponents of the ska form, backing leading artists of the day, including a young Bob Marley, Alton Ellis, and Toots and the Maytals. Skatalites instrumentals such as Tear Up, Guns of Navarone (which made the UK top 40), and Ball of Fire all topped the Jamaican charts.
After a hiatus the group reformed in the mid-’80s, headed off on a world tour as Bunny Wailer’s backing band and later for Prince Buster.
The nine-piece are now preparing for their ten stop tour of Australia and New Zealand, including an appearance at Meredith Music Festival.
The Skatalites will celebrate turning 50 with a show at The Basement on Friday December 12 and Factory Theatre on Friday December 19. Tickets go on sale Thursday September 4 through Oztix.
