(c’84-’90) Julian Johnson (guitar / vocals), Ronnie Johnson (bass), Mark Terry (guitar) and Denny James (drums).

The Aldershot / Farnborough based members of this reggae band started out rehearsing in a Farnborough squat, that featured a large stained-glass window. Ex-T.T. Transmission and Undercurrents member Terry and ex-The Basement Band bassist Ronnie had been in Crosswinds together, before Spliff Riff. The band graduated from the squat to hiring the cellar bar of the Army & Navy, Aldershot for rehearsals. It wasn’t long before their debut video, for Rumours of War, was released having been produced by the late Philip Chevron of The Pogues. The band went on to sign with EMI and in ’85 released In the Nightime [JKO110] a cover of a Michael Henderson song.

Spliff Riff promo card by EMI. Picture courtesy of Mark Terry

They supported Clint Eastwood and General Saint on 25 January ’85 at the University of Surrey, Guildford; headlined the more intimate Club Royal, Guildford in early April that year, with Indigo Swing in support, and then opened for Eek-A-Mouse, on 1 November, back at the University of Surrey. They then released More Today Than Yesterday [JKO111] in ’86, which was originally by, Californian band, Spiral Starecase. Although both singles were covers, the band’s live set consisted of both covers and original songs. Julian Hight and Lee Rumble recorded Spliff Riff live, on 4-track, at the Music Studios, University of Surrey, mixing the result with Ronnie and Jay at Rumble’s caravan.

25 Jan 1985: Ticket for Clint Eastwood and General Saint, supported by Spliff Riff, at University of Surrey

The West End Centre, Aldershot was one of their residencies, often supporting major acts on a monthly basis, such as Clint Eastwood & General Saint. They also played at the Ku Club, Ibiza; stepping in for Black Slate (Amigo) at short notice, and Manchester’s Band on the Wall. Stephen Collings also drummed for them and Wayne Johnson appeared on percussion. The band appeared with Master Blaster (not the German dance music project) on 25 January ’86 at the West End Centre, where they returned on 23 October ’87 to headline, we believe, with Hi Life, Agbadza, and Digogodigo in support. They were back at the West End Centre on 7 April and 14 December 1990, and appeared at The Compasses Inn, Gomshall in the early ’90s.

James has sadly passed. Ronnie toured with Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames in late ’84 / early ’85, joining Collective Sound. He released his debut solo album Give Them Enough Rope in ’91 and worked with Van Morrison for many years, appearing on several of Morisson’s albums, including Live in San Francisco. Johnson went on to perform with Bob Dylan, John Lee Hooker, Peter Green, and Leo Sayer, and now appears with his award-winning modern jazz combo First Light, whilst maintaining a steady output of recording sessions and writing commissions when not touring. Jay now performs acoustic reggae as I-Jay, appearing on several and the latest Farnborough Groove.

Gallery:

Cover for the 12″ version of Spliff Riff’s “In The Night-Time” from 1985.
Spliff Riff’s “In The Night Time” gets some love in Music Week from July 1985.
Spliff Riff get a brief line in this “Essex Update” from Music Week, 3 August 1985 issue, pg26.
USSU Bare Facts 1 November 1985 issue, Eek-A-Mouse article and gig list showing Spliff Riff as support from Pg8
Spliff Riff get a mention in this “Essex sounds out for soul” article on page 36 of Music Week’s 2 November 1985 issue.
Spliff Riff’s “In The Night-Time” single from 1985.
Spliff Riff live at Band on the Wall, Manchester 1986.
Sleeve for Spliff Riff’s “More Today Than Yesterday” single, from 1986.