Roy Ellis - The Boss Skinhead

The official biography of a legendary ska & reggae originator Roy Ellis aka Mr. Symarip.

"I want all you skinheads to get up on your feet! Put your braces together and your boots on your feet And give me some of that old moonstomping...".

About Roy Ellis

He was born in Kingston, Jamaica. He escaped from the threat of imprisonment and came to England. 

He learned trombone from Rico Rodriguez, backed all the Jamaican artists from Owen Gray, Prince Buster and Laurel Aitken to Toots Hibbert and Millie Small. 

As a member of Symarip he pioneered reggae music throughout Europe and inspired the 2 tone movement. 
He created the genre of skinhead reggae with his famous Skinhead Moonstomp. 

"I had so many bad and violent experiences in Jamaica and England. A lot of people, who don’t know you, judge you and think you’re nobody just because of your skin color. But on the stage, you really feel like you’re somebody. No one calls you names. And that’s why the stage for me is my joy and pride. And it all started that night...".

About the author

Honza Vedral is a a journalist and musician from Prague.  
He is editor in chief of Headliner Magazine and saxophone player.
A few years ago, he first met Roy as the member of one of his backing bands. 

"Once, on the way from a sold-out gig, sitting in the back seat of the van, Roy was telling me one of his stories about his life and music career. And I suddenly realized more people should know all those incredible things about him. About his life. About society. The exploitation. The racism. And most of all about his music, a music that has influenced so many people of different generations. He has been a key participant in significant cultural change inspiring the direction of 2 tone and the contemporary punk scene. His influence, however, extends beyond the subcultures".