Upon leaving the JBC, Mikey Dread ventured into recording and scored with a number of releases such as Weatherman Skanking in combination with Ray I, Barber Saloon, Love the Dread, as well as albums such as Dread at the Control, Evolutionary Rockers and World War III. Over time he attracted the attention of British punk rockers, The Clash, who invited him to produce some of their music, the most famous of which is their single Bankrobber, and contributed to several songs on their 1980 album, Sandinista. Mikey Dread also toured with The Clash across Britain, wider Europe and the US.

He also worked closely with producer Trevor Elliot to launch musical career of singer Edi Fitzroy, who was then an accountant at the JBC. As the news of his passing surfaced yesterday, the Sunday Observer got comments from a number of persons in the media and the music fraternity, all of whom hailed Mikey Dread as a significant contributor to the development of Jamaican music. "His (Mikey Dread's) work, is not only national or regional, but also international," former JBC's journalist Leslie Miles noted. "It spanned the world scene and made Mikey a pioneer broadcaster for playing dub music, and also redefined aspects of radio, especially night time radio" Miles, who is now head of news at Bess FM, also spoke of the struggle Mikey Dread faced at the conservative JBC. Music consultant Colin Leslie pointed out that the consequence of the "fight" he received from the management was putting him on at night, but that backfired.

"Remember he is a Portlander, so I always appreciated the fact that we shared the same alma mater (Titchfield High School), that is something I've always cherished and I hold him in high esteem. Although he was ahead of my era, he was somebody who laid an awesome foundation and was very unique and highly respected," was how Richard "Richie B" Burgess of Hot 102, remembered Mikey Dread.

"We were at JBC together, and in those days when he started at the JBC dreads weren't popular on the air. The powers that be in management really gave him a fight," Ali McNab told the Sunday Observer.

"Michael Campbell, is someone who revolutionised radio in Jamaica when there was still an anti-Jamaican sentiment regarding music and culture. In terms of the emerging dancehall, it was Mikey Dread who popularised it on radio. Although it was late night, he still managed to popularise dancehall music and bring it to the masses," was the perspective of Dennis Howard who also worked on JBC Radio, in the post-Mikey Dread era.

And Irie FM's disc jockey, GT Taylor hailed the late Mikey Dread as a role model. "Reggae music in Jamaica, owes a lot that that brother. He was one man who stood up for reggae in the early '70s, bringing the music to the forefront. He is one of my inspirations."

Veteran singer Freddie McGregor attested to the fact that "Mikey Dread was one of the persons fighting the struggle for reggae music. Mikey and I did a lot of shows together over the years. A wonderful brethren".

Written by Basil Walters, reprinted from the Jamaica Observer, March 16, 2008

Join Irish and Chin, Inc. and thousands of diehard sound clash fans on Easter Monday, March 24, 2008 for Death Before Dishonor 8 "World Clash Jamaica." You got it! Jamaica's longest running and largest sound clash is slated to take over Pier 1 in less than two weeks.

The 8th installment of the popular sound system competition is made up of two stellar events in one night. A "Vintage Tribute," which features a showdown of legendary selectors Black Scorpio, King Jammy's and David Rodigan, will jump start the event. This segment will be followed by a highly anticipated "Main Event," featuring returning champions Mighty Crown, the "Mentally Ill" Tony Matterhorn, the "Five Star General" Black Kat and new comers to the arena Hype Zone.

While the crisp "Vintage Tribute" will spark the interest of the more mature sound clash fans, the sizzlin' "Main Event" will incite a burst of unconfined energy amongst the young and young-at-heart sound clash fans.

The "Main Event" boasts some of the industry's top clash contenders. After preparing for this coveted competition by sharpeninig their skills and building their dubplate repertoire, the returning champions Mighty Crown are willing and ready to seize the victory. "The Far East Rulers" will proudly represent at Death Before Dishonor 8, as it is their strongest desire to once again win over fans. This sound has "nuff" clash experience and victories. Perhaps, Death Before Dishonor 8 will be just the right notch to add to their belt.

Tony Matterhon, top selector and thriving artist, is pleased to return to his roots on the Death Before Dishonor stage. Not only has Matterhorn won this competition twice in the past, He is also a former winner of U.K. Cup Clash. So, Matterhorn has his share of World Clash titles, along with scores of loyal supporters. Let's see if Matterhorn can take off his artist hat for several hours and enter attack mode. Many believe that he has it in him.

Black Kat has become one of the industry's leading clash sounds. One can always count on Yunzie's precision on the turntables. And certainly, Panther, is the ultimate crowd pleaser. This avid mic man incorporates wit, charm and straight knowledge of the game in his speeches. Panther is quite a warrior on the clash battlefield. Black Kat has taken home the Death Before Dishonor trophy in the past and moreover, they have one more than five World Clash titles in their career.

It's only right to permit new deserving soldiers onto the battlefield. The latest addition to Death Before Dishonor 8 and the World Clash stage is Hype Zone. Hailing from Hanover, Jamaica, this warrior sound has been thriving on Jamaica's clash scene. Although only in existence for four years, the sound has contended with top industry sounds. The word on the street is that Hype Zone is loaded with tunes, willing and ready to prove themselves.

Don't miss these sounds battle for victory at Death Before Dishonor 8! For more visit: www.irishandchin.com