RIP Steve Barrow

Steve Barrow, the highly respected British reggae historian, archivist, and co-founder of the influential Blood and Firereissue record label, passed away on May 28, 2026. He was 80 years old.

His Legacy and Career

Reggae Preservation: He was widely celebrated as a premier reggae historiographer, dedicating his life to documenting, archiving, and maintaining the history and integrity of Jamaican roots music, dub, and DJ subgenres.
Blood and Fire Label: In 1993, Barrow co-founded the Manchester-based reissue label Blood and Fire alongside Bob Harding and Simply Red's Mick Hucknall. The label revolutionized the genre by re-releasing classic reggae records with the meticulous audio remastering and scholarly liner notes typically reserved for classic jazz.
Journalism & Curation: Before launching the label, Barrow was a fixture in the British music scene, writing for publications like NME and Black Echoes, operating sound systems, and working behind the counter at London's iconic Honest Jon's record shop on Portobello Road.

Literary Contributions: He co-authored the definitive Reggae: The Rough Guide, providing an indispensable roadmap for generations of music fans discovering the genre.

Music historians, artists, and reggae enthusiasts worldwide have expressed deep sadness over his passing, praising his indispensable contributions to keeping the soul of reggae music alive.