Steve Barrow R.I.P.

29^th September 1945 to 17^th May 2026

I feel it was a privilege to have known Steve for over thirty five years and, throughout that time, his friendship and kindness was always a great support to me.

On a professional level I sincerely hope that tributes are now being written attesting to his importance in raising the profile and credibility of Jamaican music worldwide. The significance of his Blood & Fire label to the furtherance and understanding of a much misunderstood and overlooked genre is incalculable and can never be overestimated. It was the first label to re-issue classic reggae from the roots presented in a format that gave the same attention to detail that jazz, blues, soul & rock re-issues had been given with faultless artwork, detailed comprehensive liner notes and crystal clear mastering. The music always deserved this treatment but had very rarely received it up until this point. Blood & Fire, guided by Steve’s deep love and understanding of reggae, set the standards to aspire to for the many re—issue labels that flourished in its wake.

His co-authored (with the erudite Peter Dalton) ‘Reggae The Rough Guide’ still remains the definitive guide to Jamaican music nearly two decades after it was first published in 1997. It is still the best primer for the newcomer, packed full of information with innumerable recommendations, but also invaluable to seasoned adherents to focus on artists and releases they might otherwise have overlooked.

Steve was as serious about his family, politics and football as he was about music and all always imbued with a great sense of humour…

And, on a personal level, Steve gave me the honour of writing the liner notes for two Blood & Fire releases, Yabby You & The Prophets’ ‘Jesus Dread 1972 to 1977’ and Big Youth’s ‘Natty Universal Dread 1973 to 1979’ box sets when he could very easily have done the notes himself… and probably made a better job of it! His trust in me was an important stepping stone towards the path I have followed for the past twenty five years. He went on to ask me to assist him and Stuart Baker writing entries for the Soul Jazz ‘Reggae 45 Sound System The Label Art Of Reggae Singles’ book... an endeavour I had first dreamed of forty years previously but never thought would see the light of day. He followed this up with agreeing to work for Germany’s renowned Bear Family… but only on the condition that I worked with him… and we spent a very enjoyable long weekend in Hamburg and Bremen with their team working on the details. I could go on… but, in short, Steve was a friend in deed when I was a friend in need and I will never forget his generosity and trust in me.

I think the story that best sums up what Steve was all about came when he was contemplating a move from his East London home to North Somerset. He contacted a removal firm who asked “is it domestic? and Steve replied in the affirmative. However, when the contractor arrived to look over the job he walked through the front door, took one look at his incredible record, CD and book collection and exclaimed “this isn’t domestic… it’s f***ing industrial!”. Steve Barrow never did anything by halves.

My sincere condolences go out to his wife, Sue, and to all his family and friends. Steve’s memory as a family man and friend will live forever in many of our hearts… and so too will his knowledge and love of reggae that he selflessly poured into a plethora of books and records for music lovers the whole world over.

Noel Hawks - June 2026

 

Steve Barrow (29 September 1945–27 May 2026)

Steve Barker