Dreadzone at SUB89 in Reading Friday 7th April 2017


Back to SUB89 and also to Dreadzone after a semi-enforced break, on a Friday night and accompanied by my sons - "Dreadzone virgins" in the words of MC Spee: sounds like the setting for a great night out...

...and so it proved to be!

There was no support act though Greg Dread (Greg Roberts, drummer) played a DJ set prior to Dreadzone taking to the stage - a gentle warm up for what was to follow. 
The band took to the stage to cheers and applause and launched straight into 'Rootsman' from the new album, a great reggae-based opener that led neatly into MC Spee's intro for 'Return of the Dread' - and already the "bouncing crew" was in full sway.

Dreadzone are a joyous band live - it's impossible not to dance - and I for one had a grin from ear to ear whilst dancing for the entire two hour set. There was a good mix of old and new songs though a definite bias towards their most "successful" album, Second Light.

So far, no setlist has been published, so this list is based on my memory of what was played combined with the running order from the Exeter gig a few weeks ago. The first two songs and the encore are right and the songs in between were played, but necessarily in that order - though it does sound about right...

Track
Album
Rootsman
Dread Times
Return of the Dread
Sound
Life Love and Unity
Second Light
Rise Up
Escapades
Iron Shirt
Once Upon A Time
Mountain
Dread Times
Dread 'Pon Sound
Sound
Fire in the Dark
Escapades
I Know
Once Upon A Time
16 Hole
Dread Times
Dancehall Priority
Once Upon A Time
Zion Youth
Second Light
Little Britain
Second Light
Encore
Digital Mastermind
Sound
Captain Dread
Second Light

It's hard to pick highlights but especial mention must go to 'Mountain' and '16 Hole' from the new album plus 'Rise Up', 'Return of the Dread' and the encore tracks. On the album 'Digital Mastermind' doesn't stand out but live it comes into its own.

Leo Williams's bass, Greg Roberts' drums, and Chris Compton's guitar overlaid with Earl 16's lovers rock singing and MC Spee's inimitable vocal style - not to forget Bazil on samples - just can't be faulted.

The closer - 'Captain Dread' - had everyone bouncing and calling out 'Ahoy' as the song demands, ensuring that everyone left with a smile on their face.

Here's every track from the set on YouTube:


And here's what Spotify has to offer, which excludes all the songs from 'Once Upon A Time':


If you get the chance to see Dreadzone live, take it - I can't wait until the next time!

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