Music
feature: black punk history—british dj and musician don letts of big audio dynamite
Don Letts is a man who has worn many hats. Before he started making music, he ran London’s clothing store Acme Attraction—a fetish thrift store that sold flashy, grimy punk clothes that attracted the likes of The Clash, Sex Pistols, Patti Smith, Debbi Harry, and Bob Marley. Acme ended up being one of the most important hubs for England’s burgeoning punk scene, spawning other spaces and venues to attract similar audiences, like the Roxy, where Letts would DJ. Instead of playing the limited punk rock albums that were only just coming out at the time, Letts would spin dub and reggae for audiences and bands who had never heard such music. As a thank you for his contributions to their musical sound, Don was even pictured on The Clash’s “Black Market Clash” album.
After saving enough money from DJing and Acme, Letts was able to film his first movie, “The Punk Rock Movie” (1978) which chronicled the punk scene around him.
Soon after, Letts quit Acme to manage the band The Slits, helping them to secure an opening gig for The Clash’s White Riot tour. He decided management wasn’t for him. Between 1983 and 1985, Clash singer and guitarist Mick Jones was booted from the band. And after bouncing around different bands, Mick and Don (sound effects and vocals), along with T.R.A.C’s Leo Williams, drummer Greg Roberts, and keyboardist Dan Donovan formed Big Audio Dynamite. BAD went on to support acts like U2. During the next 5-6 year, BAD released four albums before a quasi-break-up in 1990, when Mick formed Big Audio Dynamite II, and various lineups and off-shoots, with new members.
In 2011, BAD’s original lineup reformed and their new music and tour was met with critical acclaim. The same year, BAD performed at several music festivals including Outside Lands, Coachella, and Glastonbury.
By Erin White*, AFROPUNK contributor
Don with his friend Bob Marley
Don working at Acme
NYC subway, 1980s
*Erin White is AFROPUNK’s editorial and social media assistant. You can follow her on Tumblr or friend her on Facebook. Have a pitch or an inquiry? Shoot her an email at erin@afropunk.com.
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