Steve Barrow

Tribute 

A Tale Of Three Tower Blocks

Bunny Lee, Ray Hurford, Steve Barrow, John Masouri

A Tale of Three Tower Blocks

Steve Barrow Tribute

Geoff Sullivan introduced me to Steve Barrow in 1979. Of course I knew of him due

To Daddy Kool’s record shop. A few years earlier.

It wasn’t long before Steve had moved from Manor Park to a tower block in Upton Park right near the old West Ham football ground. 

Not only was Steve seriously into Reggae music - he was a left winger. We got on very well. 

At the time, Steve was well into Mikey Dread and Dread At The Control. From time to time Mikey would release 12” on Black & White labels, so Steve would colour them in. 

When we reached 1984, Steve had moved from Upton Park into Hume Point aka

Small Axe HQ in Custom House.

It was then that I introduced him to Colin Moore. On the very first meeting, Steve

Suggested we create a book of listings on reggae rhythms. To be called ‘Chapter & Version’.

Over the next five years, many meetings between myself, Colin, and Steve took place. One of the most enjoyable was when Steve acquired a stack of white label 7” releases. He played the tunes at full blast, and kept shouting, “I can hear a vocal” Sticking his head right close to the speaker! Steve was now living in a Tower Block in Pelly Road, Plaistow. Having been ‘Decanted’ from Hume Point. 

One of the greatest successes of people power was the Newham Tenants Tower Block campaign. Where 9 blocks were demolished due to safety concerns. Steve had shared his concern about ‘Single Issue Politics’. But respected my involvement.

In 1989, with the ‘Chapter & Version’  book coming up to something like well over 300 rhythms. I asked Tero Kaski of Black Star in Finland, if he would be interested in publishing it. Tero thought about it, but said it would cost too much to print.

I suggested to Steve, a series of smaller books. He wasn’t keen on the idea. It was then that I said, would it be OK for me to use my research? To create Rhythmwise.  He agreed to this. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. 

Rest In Peace - Ray Hurford - 30th May 2026