Skatalites return to NZ for three shows, this December

The Skatalites return to NZ for three shows in December, celebrating their 50th anniversary... their previous visits here were in 2010 (Womad), and back in 2006.

Press release: "It’s rare that a band can boast of this milestone achievement but THE SKATALITES are more than a band; they are an institution, made up of a collective of some of Jamaica’s finest musicians who not only defined the sound of ska in the 50’s and 60’s but influenced and inspired a number of generations and bands both on their own turf and around the world.

Named after a recently-launched Sputnik satellite in 1964, THE SKATALITES were officially together for only 14 months, but changed the shape of Jamaican popular music as chief proponents of the ska form, backing all the leading artists of the day, including a young Bob Marley, Alton Ellis, and Toots and the Maytals. Skatalites instrumentals such as Tear Up, (the original ska anthem), Guns of Navarone, (which also made the UK top 40), and Ball of Fire all topped the Jamaican charts.

After a hiatus the group reformed in the mid-80’s to a new and embracing audience, including a world tour as Bunny Wailer’s backing band and later for Prince Buster.

The band’s constant world touring has seen generations of new fans captivated by the now-legendary musicians which includes 9 of the finest brass, sax, horn and string players as well as the first lady of Ska – original vocalist, Ms Doreen Shaffer."

The Skatalites 50th Anniversary Tour
Friday 5th December, Kings Arms Tavern, Auckland
Saturday 6th December, Bodega, Wellington
Sunday 7th December, Churchills, Christchurch

Tickets on sale Thursday 4th September.

below, the Wailing Wailers, backed by the Skatalites....