14 September 2016 Rough Trade East with Neil Spencer, Rhoda Dakaer, Lesley Wood, Attila the Stockbroker
Daniel Rachel in conversatiom with Lesley Woods, Neil Spencer, Attila the Stockbroker and Rhoda Dakar
The last time I photographed a band actually playing was Live Aid, 30 years ago. So it was fitting that the first one I should do was my dear chum Rhoda Dakar who performed three songs with her wonderful band at a book event for ‘Walls Come Tumbling Down’ by Daniel Rachel. The lighting came from a projector, so it’s not that great. But, as Rhoda told me at dinner afterwards she was taught at drama school to stand in the spotlight. I don’t think I ever actually heard her sing live before, I have her CD’s of course, as should you. And even though Rhoda’s outfit was stunningly colourful I turned the photo into black and white, fitting for a book about Rock Against Racism, Red Wedge and 2Tone
CHALKIE DAVIES
Rhoda Dakar
Great event last night at Rough Trade East. A discussion about Daniel Rachel‘s excellent new book, Walls Come Tumbling Down, the music and politics of Rock Against Racism, 2 Tone and Red Wedge. Joining Daniel on the panel were Leslie Woods (AuPairs) Neil Spencer, my old editor on the NME and the man who brought politics into the paper in a big way, later working as Press Officer for Red Wedge, Attila the Stockbroker aka The Ranting Poet, and Rhoda Dakar who should need no introduction. The discussion was really interesting. Both Leslie and Rhoda performed. This is an important book, crammed full of photos and the real story of how a great number bands got together and actually did something to change things in the UK.
CHALKIE DAVIES
Rhoda Dakar doing an astonishingly brilliant set accompanied by guitar and accordion at Rough Trade’s East London shop tonight. Launch of Daniel Rachel’s ‘Walls Come Tumbling Down’ history of RAR, ANL and Red Wedge which I have contributed to as well. I have asked her to do Glastonwick next year.
ATTILA THE STOCKBROKER
Daniel Rachel in conversatiom with Lesley Woods, Neil Spencer, Attila the Stockbroker and Rhoda Dakar
Rhoda Dakar performing the Bodysnatchers ‘Easy Life’