Eight Gigs: Steel Pulse

When the album Handsworth Revolution was released in the late ’70s, the roots reggae trio Steel Pulse expressed the plight of urban black youth in England through songs like “Ku Klux Klan” and “Soldiers.” The lyrics painted a grim and honest image of racial tensions. Steel Pulse quickly aligned with the Rock Against Racism organization in its early career and toured with bands in the punk movement like the Stranglers, XTC, the Clash and the Police. Today, David Hinds (vocals, guitar) is the only original founding member touring with the band, but longtime members are currently by his side. 1417 R Street, www.steelpulse.com.