...continued

Here's a question for Monty of the Pyramids/Symarip:
Are you surprised at the longevity of "Skinhead Moonstomp", that it is still such a touchstone for that time and style?
Ian Canty

Irie Ian! I don't think surprised is the exact word, more like amazed. It was well produced and the musicianship was excellent and the Skins are still around and it is their "National Anthem".



What acts have the Pyramids/Symarip backed on record and on stage?
Steven Close, Edinburgh

Irie Steven! To be honest, NO. We just wrote and recorded, not even thinking about the next day. We backed - Owen Grey, Laurel Aitken, Toots and The Metals, Desmond Decker, Ethiopians, Sugar Simone, Dandy Livingston and Millie Small.

What do you think of the Jamaican music scene of today?
C. Lawence, London

Irie Lawrence! I really am in a mixed mood. I realize that we have to have change, that's how the world is, but I still prefer SKA, Rock Steady and Reggae. Give me the "Oldies" every time!

Here's a question for Monty of the Pyramids/Symarip:
Are you surprised at the longevity of "Skinhead Moonstomp", that it is still such a touchstone for that time and style?
Ian Canty

Irie Ian! I don't think surprised is the exact word, more like amazed. It was well produced and the musicianship was excellent and the Skins are still around and it is their "National Anthem".

Hello, Montgomery. this is truly amazing news.
I can't wait to hear you newest track "BACK FROM THE MOON". I know that is going be a big hit, I always dream of being there in '69 with you guys, and dance till I drop. You guys have giving me special days and nights every time I play your music. I only have one question that I do need an answer to. Is there any old footage of you guys from back in the good old days? I hope there is because I will like to acquire you guys on film that will take me back to the true spirit of '69.
Much love and respect.
Always your number one fan.
Orlando Que aka Symarip74

Irie Symarip 74 ! I know you will love " Back From The Moon". I think it is a great party-song, great to dance to, sing along with. It's just great! There is a movie called "Reggae" shot at Wembley Stadium in 1970 -1971. There should be some good footage. Keep on being the # 1 fan.

Who were your biggest influences? Who are your favourite reggae singers/bands? What were you doing for the past 33years? Were you involved in other bands, producing, or running a sound system? If the Pyramids ever regrouped would you consider coming out to the US specifically Los Angeles or San Francisco?
Thanks,
Rob

Irie Rob! My biggest influences are Laurel Aitken, Prince Buster, Jimmy Cliff, Owen Grey, Otis Redding, Santana, Jimmy Hendrick, Roy Ellis and Barry Biggs. My favorite Reggae bands are: The Fabulous Five, Inc ( FAB 5), The Wailers, Third World of the 80's and Inner Circle. I have always been in the music business, even since I left the Pyramids. I started a solo career and had many recordings, like the album 'Seeds" in 1983, "Bad Reputation" / " Irie Bob" on Mango in 1987, on Ichiban records the album "Masive are you ready", all as Monty Montgomery. I also did a tour in Africa, Sunsplash in Jamaica, etc. We are planning to regroup and tour the U.S. as well. We definitely like to come to California, every inch. So start arranging it!

Whatever happened to the member of your band frank? ( I think Pitter)
Linda

Irie Linda ! Frank is alive and kicking, practicing his drums, anticipating a Symarip/Pyramids Tour. He lives in London . Make sure to check out the new CD.

"Symarip are considered a classic skinhead reggae band.
Beside the fact of having your music target mainly to a skinhead
audience - were any of Symarip members actually close to the skin culture? And what about the other skinhead reggae bands from that period?"
Flavio Frezza - Viterbo, Italy

Irie Flavio ! Well I can't say for other bands, but we really ate & breathe Skins, especially Roy ( Your Boss Caleb). He had his braces, boots and low hair. I was really in love with a Skinhead girl when we wrote that song " Skinhead Girl".

Hi,
Great to hear that there might be a re-union tour - are there any plans for some European/german dates?
Best Regards
Fabian Perpeet - Bonn, Germany

Irie Fabian ! As a matter of fact. We are really trying to put a tour together. You can do your part by ensuring that the new CD is a "HIT" and Germany is definitely a priority.

Hello Monty,
The skinhead cult as we know it today is split down the middle, some of the skins are driven by racial prejudice whilst others are just in for the music and clothes. What can you remember about the early days of the skinheads and could you clarify the involvement of Black skinheads in populating the cult because we are constantly told by the far right that it was a white working class cult, something I don't agree with myself.
Dale

Irie Dale ! To be honest, I don't remember every detail. But there were Skins causing racial problems, like what they called "Paki-bashing". They would go after the Pakistanis, because they considered them weak because they would not fight back. And of course you had those only in it for the fashion. There were definitely black Skinheads- "Caleb", the boss, for example.

Are Symarip going to tour ? If so will they be touring the United States ? How will I be able to book them to play in my town?
Gilbert Lozoya - San Diego, USA

Irie Gilbert! We are working on putting a tour together, and the U.S would be on the list. We hope to travel the world. Just now we realize how popular we really were. We would love to come to San Diego. Why don't you start it? Make us an offer we can't refuse !

Have you recorded any other new material?
S. Daly, Scarborough

Irie S Daley ! The 25th song " Back From The Moon" is a new recording. Roy and myself are very busy writing material for a new follow up CD.


Skinhead Moonstomp is on sale now and available to order directly from our online store. Click here for more information and details of how to order.

Thanks to everybody who submitted questions and special thanks also to Monty for his answers.

As previously stated, there will be a prize draw to win signed copies of the 'Skinhead Moonstomp' album, but to make it more interesting, we will hold on to these for a while longer and get Roy Ellis to add his signature next to Monty's. All entrants for both question and answer sessions will be entered into the prize draw to win. So, if you want an even better chance to win one of these great signed albums, drop us a line with a question that you'd like Roy Ellis to answer. Send your question here.

Check out the Symarip Artist Of The Month feature here.