Lee Scratch Perry, Wedgewood Rooms, Southsea, review: ‘a highlight of the year’

 After a pulsating set from support band Emiliyah and the Mightyz All Stars, more incense wafts across the room  as a  suitcase is placed on stage to signal the arrival of the wondering minstrel himself – Mr Lee Scratch Perry.

Wearing a blue pair of wraparound shades with flashing LED lights,  Lee certainly makes an entrance. His  hair is dyed red and the headgear wouldn't look out of place on a Thunderbirds set.  There are enough rings on his fingers and trinkets to weigh down a lesser man. 

It s hard to believe that Lee recently celebrated his 83rd birthday and is  still touring the world with his dub- heavy grooves which he  invented.  He must be the oldest working man in show business.  There's a glint in his eye as  he informs the crowd he is here to party and they are certainly  up for it  on a Sunday night.

The band are a tight unit with a devilish backbeat, but it was a shame the keyboards were on a backing tape rather than having an additional member of on stage.  

Highlight of the evening was Junior Murvin's Police and Thieves, made more famous by The Clash, whom he once produced. All too soon it was over, but the memory of a dub-heavy Sunday will remain a highlight of the year.