'Dream come true' for Harrogate reggae band as they play with legendary Jamaican act

Drop Leg Steppers, a high-energy, eight-piece reggae, ska, and dub fusion band, are still on cloud nine after their support slot to Toots and The Maytals at Leeds Beckett university.

The Harrogate outfit have built up a formidable reputation over the years, not only in Harrogate but in Leeds.

But playing with a veteran Jamaican band who have been one of the best known ska and rocksteady vocal groups in the world since the early 1970s is a new career high.

Drop Leg Steppers' Lex said: "It was an honour and a dream come true playing with such an influential band as Toots and the Maytals.

"Toots was considered a reggae pioneer on a par with Bob Marley.

"Since he died in 2020, his daughter Leba Hibbert has taken over vocal duties and she is brilliant."

Although Drop Leg Steppers can do covers and do perform at private functions, they specialise in original material and a unique blend of musical styles.

After the thrilling Toots and The Maytals gig, Lex and the band returned to their packed schedule, including a new single Can’t Stop My Heart from their forthcoming new album.

Made up of Lex Lobo Valvis (vocals, guitar, synth), John Rankin Dyer (vocals), David Dowson: (vocals and keyboards), Claude Yearwood: (vocals and keyboards), Pete Oliver (bass), Adam Westerman (drums), Remy Anatole, (percussion) and Lawrence Osei (trumpet), the band’s renown has spread with the help of BBC Introducing York & North Yorkshire with Jericho Keys.

As well as a residency at the Blues Bar in Harrogate on the third Thursday of the month and another at The Junction in Otley on the third Sunday each month. Drop Leg Steppers will be launching a new monthly residency at Major Tom’s Social in Harrogate on Friday, June 26.

Having just played BedFest in Knaresborough and Stronger Together at the Blues Bar, the band are gearing up for the main stage at the Unity Day Festival in Leeds in August.

Information: https://droplegsteppers.co.uk/