Part 5. Hey dj…

In 1998 the Dread Central studio was established in Ladbroke Grove with Tim and Greg investing in two adjoining rooms. A whole new approach was needed for fresh inspiration. In the summer of that year Greg took the step of creating Dubwiser, a once monthly night at the Notting Hill Arts Club where dj culture could inspire new soundscapes. The night created an eclectic identity over the next few years with sets from Mad Professor, Alex Patterson, Matt Cantor, Matt Black, Barry Ashworth, Rennie Pilgrem, Headrillaz, Depth charge and Stanton Warriors ... with Danny Briottet (Renegade Soundwave) and Greg as residents dj-s. This once a month night, along with more and more D.J. outings across Europe, had a noticeable effect on the new material.

A taste of the new sound, a one-off collaboration with the Soul of Man called Crazy Knowledge, was released in 2000 on the Finger Lickin label. In Dread Central the fourth album took shape over this period with involvement from Don Letts in lyric mode, Brinsley Forde from Aswad, MC Spee ,Earl and a guitarist Rob Marche. “Sound” was released in 2001 through guess who?…our friend from the start, Luc Vergier ,who was now running a small U.S. based label called Rufflife. The album represented a step up in the beats factor and a nod to the past musical heritage of Dread and Bad history. A new live show was planned and a new man stepped into the picture….

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Greg and Tim 1993 by Chris Floyd. You wouldn’t get that close these days
Backstage at Glastonbury 1994 by Daniele Roberts. L to R: Dan Donovan, Leo Williams, Tim and Greg. Just about to go on at 11am. First time at Glasto and first band on
Dreadzone on Virgin by Phil Knott. Flying high, great pic of a band on a roll
Ever changing Dread by Heather Favell L to R: Chris Bran, Leo, Greg and Dan, Musicians only please
The logo of the night by Dillan, Greg, Photoshop and some beer. Check out the small print.
The extended family 2001 by Daniele Roberts. Backstage at the Essential festival. The only time we have had seven onstage. L to R: Earl16, Rob Marche, Leo Williams, Ben Balafonic, MC Spee, Tim and Greg.
Funnily enough this is at the Essential festival a year later in Bristol. About to go on, taken by some local journo. L to R: MC Spee Earl16, Leo Williams, Ben Balafonic, and Greg.