The Ruts were an English reggae-influenced punk rock band, notable for the 1979 U.K. Top 10 hit Babylon’s Burning, and an earlier single In a Rut, which was not a hit but was highly regarded and regularly played by B.B.C. Radio 1 D.J., John Peel and now the band behind those songs are coming to Eric’s on Monday 18th March.
The Ruts DC were formed in 1981 by the rhythm section and guitarist of The Ruts. The Ruts had had three whirlwind years of success and much critical acclaim – excellent releases included the singles Babylon’s Burning, Something That I Said and Staring At The Rude Boys and the albums The Crack, Grin And Bear It and John Peel Sessions. The band’s debut single In A Rut that was put out by reggae band Misty In Roots as they shared the common fight against racism and the National Front.
In July 2007 the Ruts reformed for the first time in 27 years for a one off benefit for Paul Fox the original guitarist following his diagnosis with lung cancer. Henry Rollins took over vocal duties and they were supported by The Damned, Misty In Roots, U.K. Subs, Tom Robinson, John Otway and more. This was described as” the best punk gig of all time” by The Times and proved the rhythm section as strong as ever and will remain in London gig legend forever.
A long anticipated second Rut DC Dub album is to be completed and released this year and some exclusive live shows are promised. For these they will be joined by the excellent keyboard and guitar player Seamus Beagen and some very special guest vocalists and deejays.
The return of The Ruts DC promises to be very exciting and will be a real treat to hear and see.
Tickets for The Ruts are available from Eric’s Box office or by telephone on 0151 2369994. Tickets are priced at £15.
Ian D. Hall