Steve Barrow Tribute – A Tale of Three Tower Blocks
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Steve Barrow Tribute – A Tale of Three Tower Blocks
Geoff Sullivan introduced me to Steve Barrow in 1979. Of course, I knew of him due to Daddy Kool’s record shop a few years earlier.
It wasn’t long before Steve had moved from Manor Park to a tower block in Upton Park, right near the old West Ham football ground.
Not only was Steve seriously into Reggae music, he was also a left-winger. We got on very well.
At the time, Steve was well into Mikey Dread and Dread At The Control. From time to time, Mikey would release 12” on Black & White labels, and Steve would colour them in.
When we reached 1984, Steve had moved from Upton Park to Hume Point aka Small Axe HQ in Custom House.
It was then that I introduced him to Colin Moore. On the very first meeting, Steve suggested we create a book of listings on reggae rhythms. To be called ‘Chapter & Version’.
Over the next five years, many meetings between myself, Colin, and Steve took place. One of the most enjoyable was when Steve acquired a stack of white label 7” releases. He played the tunes at full blast, and kept shouting, “I can hear a vocal,” sticking his head right close to the speaker! Having been ‘decanted’ from Hume Point, Steve was now living in a Tower Block in Pelly Road, Plaistow.
One of the greatest successes of people power was the Newham Tenants Tower Block campaign, where nine blocks were demolished due to safety concerns. Steve had shared his concern about ‘Single Issue Politics’, but respected my involvement.
In 1989, with the ‘Chapter & Version’ book coming up to something like well over 300 rhythms. I asked Tero Kaski of Black Star in Finland if he would be interested in publishing it. Tero thought about it, but said it would cost too much to print.
I suggested to Steve a series of smaller books. He wasn’t keen on the idea. It was then that I said, “Would it be OK for me to use my research? To create ‘Rhythmwise’.” He agreed to this. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
Rest In Peace – Ray Hurford – 30th May 2026
“From left to right: Bunny Lee, Ray Hurford, Steve Barrow, and John Masouri
(Photo contributed by Ray Hurford)
The post Steve Barrow Tribute – A Tale of Three Tower Blocks appeared first on Reggae Vibes.
