The original group was formed in 1976 and included multi-instrumentalist Barry Ford (drums, percussion, harmonica, flute, keyboard and vocal), Winston Bennett (guitar and vocal), and Michael Dan aka Mike Dorane (keyboards, bass and vocal) though the original bass player was Ever Wellington until 1980.
The name “Merger” comes from the fact that they blended reggae music with their other musical influences. Their debut album, Exiles Ina Babylon was released in the UK in 1977 at a time when many British reggae bands, such as Aswad and Steel Pulse, were popular. Politically, the band’s songs addressed issues of racial injustice in Britain and other countries. Barry Ford chose to pursue a solo career after this.
After Michael Dan left, Barry Ford and Winston Bennett were joined by brothers Tony Osei & Michael Osei (drums & keyboards respectively) with Ever Wellington (bass) and Robin Campbell aka Ras Danjuma (rhythm guitar and vocal). Also Everald Forest aka Fari joined (percussion).
After “Exiles Ina Babylon” in 1978 they recorded and released the single “Biko” tribute to Steve Biko, the South African student leader who the South African police killed by throwing him through the window of the police station. In 1979 they released the album “Armageddon Time” and was discovered by Bob Dylan whilst performing at the 100 Club, Oxford Street in the West End of London.
The following Thursday they performed with Talking Heads at the Lyceum. Then on the Saturday they performed with Bob Dylan, Joan Armatrading, Eric Clapton, Graham Parker and the Rumour and Lake at the Picnic at Blackbushe at Camberley Surrey. There were half a million people at this concert and at the end there was only one Bobby on duty directing traffic. Wonderful.
Now the band is back together and our album “Armageddon Time” has been digitally remastered on vinyl and is getting great acclaim and the band is now on rehearsal for touring.
Merger at Blackbushe 1978
