Live at Club Ska: The Laurel Aitken Tribute Concert

Music from the first ever DVD to feature one of the all time greats of Ska music 'The Godfather Of Ska' Laurel Aitken at a tribute concert that took place for him in 2005.

Laurel Aitken was Jamaica's first real recording star. He was a pioneer in many other respects as well: he was one of the first artists ever to release a ska record, the first to work at promoting his music in the U.K., and one of the first to record for the seminal Island label. Aitken recorded numerous hits for a variety of labels over the years, enjoying his heyday during the '60s. His continued presence in the U.K. made him an elder statesman to the Two Tone ska revival movement of the punk era, and he continues to tour even into the new millennium.

When Laurel fell ill in 2004, the cream of the Ska scene performed a benefit show in his honour, with the likes of Prince Buster, Duke Vin, Steve Harris, Gaz Mayall and Dennis Alcapone covering songs made famous by Laurel along with some classic Ska standards. Most of the participants also agreed to be interviewed, and some of that footage is included also.

Fortunately, Laurel recovered and was able to perform a show of his own in January 2005. Joined by fellow Ska legend Rico and watched by an invited audience of Ska luminaries, Laurel was back on classic form, performing many of hits best loved songs including 'Sally Brown', 'Skinhead' and 'Swing Easy', Laurel and Rico, along with many others, were also interviewed at the gig, and that footage is included along with a photo gallery of the day.