Scratch's recent tour

[irie vibes]

Just wondering if anyone out there has seen his most recent tour. I would like to see him again and would appreciate a rough guide of the playlist or even just a review. Respect Everytime.

[Lion]

Perry is just back from Japan with Sherwood.
He got some shows in the UK.

Lion

[Jah Chicken]

Greetings,

I saw the man himself perform last Sunday, November 5, in San Francisco, CA. I must say, that he was in very fine form! His voice sounded excellent, and he seemed to be in very good physical shape (as did plenty of dancing and jumping around). This was my first time seeing him perform, but I was very impressed (being the Perry fanatic that I am).

Most of his selections came from the album Panic Inna Babylon, with The White Belly Rats. Although these songs are not my favorite, they sounded very nice, and the backing band (Dub is a Weapon) was strong enough to hold down the riddim. He opened with a track that I've never heard, that I imagine to be called, "Piss is the Champion". He claimed that a water bottle he had on stage was his piss (but was obviously water) and gave everyone a good laugh when he was sprinkling it onto members of the audience in the front row. That set the tone for the rest of the show. After receiving a huge ovation (probably the largest I've heard from this venue), he came back for an encore with a 20 minute version of Roast Fish and Cornbread.. which made the whole night!

During the show he went about (what I hear) are his usual rantings mostly about sex, music, and his age (as he is now 70). He pulled up (who I think was) Aston "Family Man" Barrett on stage and said that he [Barrett] was an original Upsetter and an honored guest at that nights show. He also said that if he (who I think was Barrett) did not join him on Bass for the 2nd show, that there would be Big trouble between them (in a joking tone)! I'm not sure if he was joined by Family Man the next night. Perry was proud to claim that his cock had never failed him.. Except once, and then he picked up the little pieces and put it back together. He declared that he would be growing dreadlocks again, to represent his rebirth. He pulled several women up on stage to dance and caress for usually only 30 seconds. He also spoke of the strength of Haile Selassie and said that he knows this is true because he is 70 years old and feels No pain.

All and all, it was an excellent show. There was a large crowd of spectators on the street(Divisadero) watching in amazement by the amount of smoke pouring out of the venue door every time it opened. Perry had encouraged everyone to smoke as much ganja as they pleased, but politely asked that no one smoke cigarettes (which corresponds with this venues policies). It took a long time to get everyone to leave after the show. No one that I know let disappointed.

Roots,
Jah Chicken

[not given]

sounds wicked ,i am thinking of flying to the vancouver show
it is amazing he is 70

[irie vibes]

Big Ups for the review Jah Chicken! Sounds like you caught the Mad Genius in classic form. Lucky you! So most of the songs came from Panic in Babylon huh? I guess that figures since it's the most recent release, but I was hoping that he would mix in some classic Black Ark sounds. I wonder if that "Piss is the Champion" tune is a take on the "Kiss the Champion" tune form the Time Boom X de Devil Dead lp. Did Family Man play anything at your show or was he just introduced? That would have been killer if he did. I guess I gotta check out his show one last time in case I never get another chance. I just hope the venue has an excellent sound system so I can feel the riddims down to my bones and hopefully hear the entertaining rants of the eccentric one! Jah Bless.

[mick d]

I'm jealous Jah Chicken. The Independent is a favorite venue of mine. Over the last few years I have seen just about everyone who has come through San Francisco. This was the first time I had seen Scratch schedule shows in SF, and unfortunately I was out of town. I hope there is a next time. Sugar Minott is playing at the Independent later this month. Hope to see all of you Bay Area roots lovers there.

[Dave Hahn]

Thanks for the kind words Jah Chicken. I thought I'd clear up a few things though...

The guy Lee pulled on stage was Hux Brown, who was an original Upsetter who played guitar. He's also a buddy of our percussionist, Larry McDonald. Unfortunately, he didn't sit in with us the next night.

And yes, the tune in question was most certainly "Kiss the Champion" from the Time Boom record.

The material from the tour was a mix of "Panic In Babylon" tracks, some classic Dub Syndicate riddims that Scratch has toasted/sang over, and a few old Bob Marley tunes.

Thanks to everyone who came out to support the Upsetter and Dub Is A Weapon!

Peace,

Dave
www.dubisaweapon.com
www.myspace.com/dubisaweapon

[RasFelipe]

Dave
Is the Lion's Dem show in NYC confirmed?
JAH Bless
RasFelipe

[Lion]

Who mix the show!?

Without Mad Prof or Sherwood at the mixboard the show of Lee Perry are dull.
That is my experience with his shows.

Lion