Keltic Posse

When historians are trying to find the roots of the reggae wave from Ireland, they’ll trace it back to Alan Madigan’s front room in Bluebell, Dublin. Four of Keltic Posse grew up together in that area and most of them emigrated en bloc to London in 1985. They had been together as a group for several years before that, but it wasn’t until around 1983 that they fully put their money on the reggae.

“We got a good reggae education in London,” Alan says, “going to all the gigs and the festivals.” Having inhaled well, they headed back to Ireland and did their first official gig in 1987 in The Attic. No room for chairs or tables; the place was packed. People hanging out on and off the stairs. So much of a crush and groove that the ceiling began to crack and punters downstairs, instead of getting plastered, got plaster in their pints.

Having queued for twenty minutes to get in to see them last Saturday night, it’s obvious that Keltic Posse have not lost their capacity to pull a good crowd. A loyal crowd too, drawn largely from the Inner City and working class suburbs. As Alan points out: “They’re living in a ghetto, and they relate to reggae music, the lyrics, social justice.”

Bass player, Eddie, sees a strong historical link between the Jamaican and Irish experience.

“Reggae is the music of an oppressed people,” he says “Like we were the first slaves in Jamaica anyway. They only brought in the black people because when we ran away, we were white, and it was easier for us to escape. So I think that deep down there is that kind of understanding. Because Reggae gives you a little bit of depth in a society that is totally run on just fooling you. Reggae is a thing that has a little bit of truth. And people understand truth when they hear it. “

While it was never their intention to imitate everything about reggae that has been laid down so far, singer and lyricist Johnny tellingly adds: “We also decided not to try do the paddywhackery thing on it. We always were a roots reggae band. But the lyrics are very Irish. They’re just working class lifestyle lyrics.”

Keltic Posse are as decent a bunch of lads as you’re likely to meet. They’re working class and have worked and scraped and hoped and dreamed to get this far. Their recent gig in Andrews Lane Theatre was brilliant and uplifting. And while I’m no expert on reggae, their debut EP, Vibes, Tribes & Misdemeanours, sounds pretty good to me. They play a music which, as Johnny says, “ is about social living. It’s all about humanity, people. It’s spiritual as well.” Eddie nods, adding: “People getting together, chilling out, having a good time. People enjoying themselves, really relaxed. Music is communication.”

Long may they communicate.

• Gerry McGovern