Music
Legendary dub producer Lee "Scratch" Perry burns down studio, again
by Jeremy Mersereau
December 7, 2015
"I am so sad and my wife is so mad."
Lee “Scratch” Perry is known for two things: 1) being the preeminent dub music producer, pioneer, innovator, and instigator in his various incarnations, and 2) not exactly being a poster boy for fire safety.
In a Facebook message addressed to his fans, Perry says he “forgott to out a candle [sic]” and as a result, his “whole secret laboratory” was destroyed in the ensuing fire. The “lab” was comprised of “magic hats, my magic boots, all my crazy show outfits… all my electronics and studio equipment”, all of which is now lost. “I am so sad and my wife is so mad,” the missive continues. I bet. See a photo of the fire damage below:
As all LSP disciples know, this isn’t the first time something like this happened: Perry maintains he “cleansed” his legendary Black Ark recording studio with fire in 1979, after years of stress and increasingly eccentric behaviour.
Fans with a creative bent are invited to send along any “perfect things” they have for him to wear during an upcoming run of live shows, because a Lee “Scratch” Perry gig just isn’t complete without outrageous hats or bewildering, eye-melting vests. In return, fans will be granted free entry into the show of their choice as well as backstage access. Sweet deal! Just don’t leave any matches lying around.
