11 July 2026 (released)
2 h
It was a genuine privilege to sit down with pioneer Tony “Gad” Robinson, one of the founding members of Aswad, ahead of the band’s Boogietown performance. For nearly 50 years, Aswad have helped shape British reggae, blending Caribbean roots with stories of growing up in Britain. Tony shared with Music-News.com about breaking new ground, the inspiration behind Don’t Turn Around and the band’s lasting legacy. The founding member reflected on the band’s remarkable journey, from taking a chance on Island records to inspiring generations of reggae artists. Music-News gained a fantastic insight into the group’s journey and their influence, which extends far beyond their chart success.
Hi Tony, don’t turn around, (he cracks up) but Music-News is here and grateful, that you have made time to share your insights into Aswad’s incredible journey.
Hi Tony, thank you for taking your time, to chat with Music-News
When Aswad first emerged, what do you think the band changed about the British music scene?
“We were the first generation of kids born here to parents who came from the Caribbean,” Robinson explained. “We’d never been to the West Indies, so we were writing about our experiences growing up in England. That’s what we changed. We showed it could be done from Britain.”
Who inspired you to believe Aswad could achieve international success?
“Bob Marley,” he said. “When we saw what Bob was doing, we realised reggae wasn’t just for Brixton or Ladbroke Grove – it was worldwide. We thought, ‘If Bob can do it, maybe we can too.’”
That belief led to a bold decision.
“We walked into Island Records without an appointment and simply asked if someone would listen to us. Richard Williams heard our demos and gave us studio time. That became the basis of our first album.”
How did Don’t Turn Around become one of your biggest hits?
“The record company said we needed a single,” Robinson recalled. “A Jamaican producer introduced us to Don’t Turn Around. We heard something special in it and made it our own.”
The song went on to become a UK No. 1, and songwriter Diane Warren later thanked the band personally.
“She always believed it should have been a hit, so she was delighted when our version reached number one.”
What makes you proudest today?
“When musicians tell me we inspired them to start a band, that’s the biggest reward,” he smiled. “When we were growing up, our parents didn’t think music could be a career. We helped show that it was possible.”
Nearly five decades on, Tony “Gad” Robinson remains proud not only of Aswad’s chart success, but of the doors they opened for generations of British reggae artists.
Thanks, Tony, for taking the time to speak with Music-News.com.
