The Congos & The Gladiators | Metropool, Enschede | 18-06-2024

Just the fact that The Congos are performing here tonight in an original line-up can be labeled as legendary. Not to mention their track record that bears the same stamp. Moreover, there is that one record that every reggae fan cherishes and has in his or her top three of best records of all time, or actually just number one: Heart of The Congos.

A colossal record, a milestone, an alpha and an omega in the genre. This album is recorded in the Black Ark studio of Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, who is also responsible for the production. The album attains mythical status. The Congos too as we said. Their harmonies and songs that made them world famous can be heard tonight in Enschede. The combination of the two bands that you can see in one night tonight in Enschede is almost as imaginative as the groundbreaking albums they have made. Evening not to be missed.

The Gladiators were formed in 1967 after Albert Griffiths had seen the gladiators at work in the then film classic Ben Hur. Not knowing that he and his band would later be responsible for a classic themselves. In the early 70’s, The Gladiators quickly made a name for themselves with singles such as Hello Carol, Bongo Red and Roots Natty. The legendary status was achieved and consolidated to this day with the release of Trenctown Mix Up. The Gladiators definitely join the list of rock royalty that also includes Toots Hibbert, U-Roy, Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley and also break through in Europe.

Albert Griffiths decided to slow down and handed over the torch to his son Al after his son Anthony had joined the band in 1997. The resemblance in appearance but especially in voice between father Albert and son Al is astonishing. The Gladiators literally and figuratively go from generation to generation. Everyone who calls themselves a reggae fan can immediately praise themselves with that!

WWW: Metropool – The Congos & The Gladiators