US reggae group Easy Star All-Stars return to the UK for a run of festival and club shows in August 2023 celebrating the release of their newest album, a re-imagined rendition of David Bowie’s classic The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars, aptly entitled Ziggy Stardub.
 
Blending musical versatility, instrumental prowess, beautiful vocal harmonies, and a premier rhythm section, Easy Star All-Stars have established themselves as one of the top international reggae acts on the scene for over two decades. During this time, they’ve toured in over 30 countries on 6 continents, bringing together fans of reggae, classic rock, dub, and indie rock into one big family.
 
Their new album out April 21 via Easy Star Records features guest performances by Macy Gray, Steel Pulse, Fishbone, Alex Lifeson (Rush), Vernon Reid (Living Colour), The Skints, Mortimer, The Expanders, Samory I, Naomi Cowan, and many others.

Since revealing the next tribute album in January, the group has shared first tastes of the project with a few singles, including “Starman,” featuring vocals by the Grammy-nominated reggae star Maxi Priest. First shared by Rolling Stone, the All-Stars and Maxi Priest put their signature twist on the beloved hit, making use of reggae drum patterns and vocal styles as they reforge Bowie’s work into a fresh piece of danceable reggae fusion. That was followed in February by “Moonage Daydream,” which featured vocals by Naomi Cowan and a searing guitar solo by Alex Lifeson of Rush. March 22 sees the release of “Five Years,” with vocals by Grammy-winners Steel Pulse.


Previous releases of the band’s long-standing collection of tribute albums include Dub Side of the Moon (2003), a critically acclaimed reggae re-working of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon; Radiodread (2006), which gave the treatment to Radiohead’s OK Computer; Easy Star’s Lonely Hearts Dub Band (2009), a reggae version of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s album; and a re-imagining of Michael Jackson’s landmark 1982 album, titled Thrillah (2012). The group has also released a remix album, Dubber Side of the Moon (2010), along with two original collections, Until That Day (2008) and First Light (2011).

The Barefoot Bandit are a heavy-weight ensemble based in the South-West, UK. The band mixes various musical styles, incorporating elements of reggae, punk rock, dub and world music.

Building a strong and loyal fan base, TBB have spread their sounds far and wide. Packed out shows at prestigious venues such as the Electric Ballroom in Camden have seen The Barefoot Bandit become a must watch act on the UK touring and festival circuit.

The group released their much-anticipated debut album at the end of 2022 to much acclaim, with their cover of Groove Armarda’s “By the River” getting multiple plays on BBC6. The 16 date “Hello Welcome” tour supports this release in 2023, ahead of UK and international festival dates.

Past festival highlights include appearances at Glastonbury Festival, Boardmasters, Boomtown Fair, and more including headline slots and main stage displays at some of the UK’s favourite music festivals.

Having reached #4 in the iTunes reggae charts, TBB have self released 2 Eps previous to their album. Both records have received national airplay from the likes of legendary DJ David Rodigan on BBC Radio 1 Extra and numerous plays on BBC Introducing.

The Bandit has had the pleasure of supporting renowned artists such as Lee “Scratch” Perry, Katchafire, The Cat Empire, Easy Star All-Stars, Dubioza Kolectiv, Gentleman’s Dub Club, Horace Panter & Lynval Golding (The Specials) and have been regular openers for electronica dub favourites, Dreadzone.