The Trojans

The Trojans

The Trojans are a London ska group active since 1986. They work across ska and reggae, with elements of blues, celtic music, folk, R&B, rock and roll, soul, funk and world roots. Their sound is associated with Afro-Celtic fusion, and the group is also identified with celtic ska and post 2-tone styles.

Formation and early years

The group forms in late 1986 after the end of Gaz Mayall's earlier band, Gaz's Rebel Blues Rockers. Gaz Mayall is the eldest son of blues musician John Mayall. The Trojans play their first gig at the Astoria on Charing Cross Road in London on 23 December 1986, supporting Potato 5 and Laurel Aitken. Within two and a half years, they headline the same venue, with those acts supporting them.

Recordings and label

In their early years, The Trojans record several albums that gain a strong reception on the UK underground. These releases appear on Gaz's independent label, Gaz's Rockin' Records. Their first album is Ala-Ska, which includes the single Gaelic Ska. That recording helps establish the group's Afro-Celtic direction and becomes a key part of their identity.

Line-up and performance style

The Trojans feature a large and flexible line-up. The group includes three saxophone players, bagpipes, violin, guest female vocalists, and the standard combination of two guitars, drums, bass and percussion. Gaz performs at the centre of the stage, singing and playing melodica. Rudy Jones remains one of the regular performers, and Rick Baxendale also appears from the early line-up, having started with the group as its bass player. Guest horn players Tan Tan and Vin Gordon occasionally join them.

Key members

Current membership information identifies Rudy Jones, Gaz Mayall and Eddie Thornton as members of the group.

Live activity

The Trojans tour regularly and remain an active UK ska act with a repertoire shaped by reggae, celtic influences and Afro-Celtic fusion.