LOCAL>> Lark Virtual Cinema – The Story of Lover's Rock

Ticket Price: Pay What You Can!

Lovers Rock, often dubbed ‘romantic reggae’ is a uniquely black British sound that developed in the late 70s and 80s against a backdrop of riots, racial tension and sound systems.

Live performance, comedy sketches, dance, interviews and archive shed light on the music and the generation that embraced it.

Lovers Rock allowed young people to experience intimacy and healing through dance – known as ‘scrubbing’ – at parties and clubs. This dance provided a coping mechanism for what was happening on the streets.

Lovers Rock developed into a successful sound with national UK hits and was influential to British bands (Police, Culture Club, UB40). These influences underline the impact the music was making in bridging the multi-cultural gap that polarized the times. The film sheds light on a forgotten period of British music, social and political history.

“It’s the music that matters, and that is put on the screen with real skill and affection.”
– London Evening Standard

“Mr. Shabazz conveys a love of the music and its culture.”
– The New York Times

“You can add The Story of Lovers Rock to the short list of must-see, politically-tinged documentaries which shed light on the cultural roots of a lesser-known musical genre, ala Calypso Dreams and Buena Vista Social Club.”
– AALBC.com