The Trojans

Group: The Trojans

Specialising in ska & reggae with a dash of soul, funk, R&B and world roots, The Trojans were formed in late 1986 from the ashes of the premature demise of Gaz Mayall's first band Gaz's Rebel Blues Rockers. (Gaz is the eldest son of Blues legend John Mayall)

Debut gig was the Astoria on Charing Cross road by London's center point on the 23rd December 1986 supporting premier ska band Potato 5 and ska legend Laurel Aitken. Within two and a half years the Trojans headlined the same venue with the above acts supporting them. During their first few years they recorded several albums well received on the UK underground all on Gaz's own independent label Gaz's Rockin' Records, the first being 'Ala-Ska' featuring the classic single 'Gaelic Ska' launching a whole new genre of Afro-Celtic fusion that has since become a hallmark of The Trojans' sound.

Some original band members are still regular performers with the band including saxophonist Rudy Jones and drummer Mark Hamilton who began as their percussionist. The line-up often features bagpipes, violin, guest female vocalists, on top of the regular two guitars, drum, bass percussion regular touring group with Gaz at the centre stage singing and playing melodica. Occasionally guest horn players and the Trojan's long time founder saxman Colin Humphries appear.