Stories of the Blues: Celebrating Liverpool’s Sound System Culture

26 Oct 2024

Toxteth Library

For this year’s Black History Month, Writing on the Wall have begun a project exploring the history of soundsystem culture in Liverpool, culminating in an evening of discussion, deejays and dancing – in the heart of Liverpool 8 – THIS SATURDAY at Toxteth Library.

Through the 1970s and 80s, the streets of Liverpool 8 reverberated with music played from powerful homemade sound systems, providing the soundtrack and force behind ‘Blues’ or ‘Shebeens’ – all night parties in available local spaces; organised by the people, for the people. Although reduced in number, blues clubs remained until the 90’s and continued to have a profound effect on the city’s Black music scene.

Join Writing on the Wall in remembering and celebrating the impact and legacy of sound system culture in Liverpool, with an evening of discussion, deejays and dancing, this Saturday – 26th October – at Toxteth Library.

The evening will commence with a panel discussion hosted by WoW Co-Director Madeline Heneghan, and feature contributions from some of the key players from the times – including sound system operators, deejays, dancers and organisers – as well as Dr Mykaell Riley, formerly of Steel Pulse and now an important voice for Britain’s Black music legacy.

Following an opportunity for audience members to join in the discussion, the evening will become a celebration in all senses of the word – featuring music from the original Strugglers’ Sound System – from the days of The Frontline – and local rising star Sticky Dub.

Doors: 6pm

7.00pm: Panel discussion hosted by WoW Co-Director Madeline Heneghan.
We’ll be talking to some of the key players from the times – including sound system operators, deejays, dancers and organisers.
We’ll then open the floor to questions and thoughts from the audience.

8.00pm till late: Struggler’s Sound take us back to The Blues – playing the original sounds, on the original sound system, that powered the Frontline on Granby Street. Music, Dancing and Good Times til late….