Basement 5
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1978 in London, England |
| Headquarters | London , England |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Basement 5 was a reggae-punk hybrid group originating from London, established in 1978. The band's early vocalists featured Winston Fergus and Don Letts, while photographer Dennis Morris—renowned for his collaborations with Bob Marley and the Sex Pistols—assumed the roles of lead singer, lyricist, and artistic director in 1979. Morris was also responsible for creating the band's visual identity and logo. Drummer Richard Dudanski, who had previously played with 101ers, The Raincoats, and Public Image Ltd., added to their music that tackled political themes such as youth joblessness, labor strikes, racial issues, and working-class hardships during the period of Margaret Thatcher’s governance.
In 1980, Basement 5 secured a contract with Island Records, featuring Morris as their frontman. Their first show under this arrangement took place at London's Clarendon Hotel on 19 March 1980, followed by a significant performance at Camden’s Music Machine alongside acts like John Cooper Clarke and Killing Joke. They recorded a Peel Session on 21 April 1980, which was broadcast a week later. On 26 May, they released their self-produced single "Silicon Chip." Their first album, 1965-1980, produced by Martin Hannett, was released on 11 August. During the recording process, original drummer Anthony "Bigga" Thompson departed; Charles Charles from The Blockheads was brought in to complete the sessions.
Producer Martin Hannett described this album as his most challenging work to date, highlighting its intense sound and meticulous bass arrangements. The recording sessions also yielded dub versions that were issued as In Dub on 31 October. Subsequently, the single "Last White Christmas" came out on 1 December featuring distinctive packaging. Shortly after these releases, the band dissolved with several members going on to form Urban Shakedown.
In October 2017, Play It Again Sam (PIAS) re-released both 1965-1980 and In Dub, sparking renewed appreciation for Basement 5’s pioneering contributions.
Main members
- Dennis Morris – vocals
- Humphrey "J.R." Murray – guitar
- Leo "E-Zee Kill" Williams – bass
- Richard Dudanski – drums
Other members
- Winston Fergus – vocals
- Don Letts – vocals
- Charley Charles – drums (uncredited but credited on 1965-1980)
- Anthony Thompson (Tony, aka "T") – drums (left during 1965-1980 recording sessions in August 1980)
Discography
- "Silicon Chip" / "Chip Butty" 10" (1980), Island 10WIP 6614
- "Silicon Chip" / "Chip Butty" 7" (1980), Island WIP 6614
- 1965–1980, LP (1980), Island ILPS 9641
- "In Dub", Mini-LP (1980), Island IPR 2038
- "Last White Christmas" / "Paranoia Claustrophobia (Part 2)" 12" (1980), Island 12WIP6654
- "Last White Christmas" / "Traffic: Dub" 7" (1980), Island WIP 6654
- 1965–1980/Basement 5 In Dub CD (1992), IMCD 145
- “1965–1980” LP reissue (2017), [PIAS] PIAS6580LP
- “1965–1980 (+ “In Dub”)” CD reissue (2017), [PIAS] PIAS6580CD
- “In Dub” EP reissue (2017), [PIAS] PIAS1810LP
External links
- Basement 5 on Myspace