By Sophia Wilkins

If there’s one thing that defines The DekkerTones, it’s passion — not just for playing music, but for keeping ska alive as a living, breathing culture. Based in the South East of England, this eight-piece powerhouse has built a loyal following by blending the energy of classic Jamaican ska and 2-Tone with the warmth and humour of a band that clearly loves what they do. Their brass-fuelled sets, infectious rhythms, and genuine camaraderie have made them a favourite on the UK live circuit — but for The DekkerTones, it’s never been just about nostalgia. It’s about connection. 

“When we play, we’re not trying to recreate the past,” explains frontman Mick. “We just love the music — but not in a sterile, museum manner. We want it alive, breathing, with people on the dance floor. The aim is to honour the roots and recreate that excitement.” 

Roots and Influences 

For Mick, the band’s sound is steeped in authenticity. “Over the years I’ve drawn inspiration from the people around the scene as much as from big names,” he says. “Jeff Freeman from Covered in Skas gave me encouragement early on. But musically, I’ve always loved the purity of original Jamaican ska, rocksteady, and the 2-Tone era in the UK. Artists like Desmond Dekker — he’s a hero — carry real weight for us.” 

That love of roots music runs through the whole group. Tina, whose soulful vocals give The DekkerTones their trademark warmth, found her way into ska naturally through her lifelong passion for singing. “I always loved performing,” she recalls. “Before joining The DekkerTones, I sang with a band called Skasouls. My influences are broad — soul, Motown, anything with real feeling. I didn’t set out to be in a ska band; it just felt right.” 

Glenn, who handles the sax and occasionally backing vocals, comes from a slightly different musical background — one that enriches the band’s sound with its eclecticism. “I’ve always been a wide listener — rock, jazz, even classical from time to time,” he says with a grin. “But when I play with The DekkerTones, it’s all about the ska. I love Madness, but The Specials hit the spot for me. And I’ve got a soft spot for Susan Cadogan, who I’ve still not managed to meet!” 

That blend of backgrounds is part of what makes The DekkerTones so special. Each member brings their own musical history to the table, but they share a deep respect for ska’s traditions — from the laid-back grooves of rocksteady to the politically charged punch of the 2-Tone era. 

A Mission to Keep the Scene Alive 

Ask any member what drives them, and the answer comes without hesitation: community. 

“For me, it’s about connection,” says Tina. “Every gig we do, someone new discovers ska. You get people who thought it was old-fashioned or something their parents listened to — and then you see them light up when the brass kicks in. I love handing them that moment.” 

That connection between performer and audience is key. It’s what keeps the ska scene vibrant even when mainstream music trends move elsewhere. “When people come together at ska shows, there’s a spirit of camaraderie, of shared energy,” adds Glenn. “It belongs to everyone in the room. We’re showing that this music still matters.” 

For The DekkerTones, “keeping the scene alive” doesn’t mean freezing it in time — it means evolving with it. The band mix traditional tunes with new arrangements, creating sets that are both familiar and fresh. It’s an approach that has helped them attract audiences from across generations: lifelong ska fans alongside younger listeners discovering the sound for the first time. 

How Ska Has Evolved 

Having gigged for years across the UK, The DekkerTones have witnessed the changing face of the ska and reggae scene firsthand. “When we first started, the infrastructure was thinner,” Mick recalls. “There were fewer venues booking ska bands, and fewer audiences used to seeing a full brass line. But there’s been a resurgence — young people rediscovering it, heritage acts touring again, and new bands pushing boundaries. It’s cyclical, though. Venues close, policies change, finances tighten — so you have to keep fighting for it.” 

Tina’s seen those shifts too, and she points out how technology has played a role. “There’s definitely more crossover now — ska blended with punk, indie, even electronic music. And streaming and social media have made it easier than ever for people to find the old stuff. Someone in a small town can stumble upon a vintage rocksteady track in seconds. It keeps the genre alive.” 

Glenn adds a note of realism: “The live-music ecosystem is under pressure — rising costs, licensing, audience expectations. So, sustaining the scene takes passion from everyone involved. We do what we do because we love it, and we’re grateful to still be doing it.” 

The Road Ahead 

That love continues to drive The DekkerTones into another packed year of performances. With a mix of iconic venues and local favourites, their upcoming shows promise a healthy dose of brass, rhythm, and joy. 

Some highlights include: 

• The Dublin Castle, London — Saturday 22 November 2025 

• MK11, Milton Keynes (Ska, Reggae & 2-Tone Night) — Saturday 29 November 2025 

• The Hat Factory, Luton — Saturday 13 December 2025 

• Hampton Hub Christmas Party — Saturday 27 December 2025 

Each gig brings something different — from the history-soaked walls of The Dublin Castle to the festive chaos of their annual Hampton Hub show. And there’s plenty more on the horizon, with 2026 promising a broader UK tour, festival appearances, and new venues. Full details can be found on their website: www.thedekkertones.com/gigs. 

Carrying the Torch 

As our chat winds down, it’s clear that The DekkerTones see themselves not just as performers, but as custodians of a proud musical heritage. “Ska and 2-Tone were never just music for us,” says Mick. “They’re identity, community, rebellion, joy. If you see us live, it’s obvious we love what we do. But we need the audience to make it real — it’s about sharing that energy.” 

Tina nods. “You only have to go to one of the festivals and feel that vibe — inclusivity, brotherhood, sisterhood. That’s what keeps us going.” 

And Glenn, finishes with a smile: “There have been so many wonderful moments over the years — too many to mention. But buy me an IPA sometime, and I’ll tell you all about them!” 

The DekkerTones aren’t just reviving ska — they’re proving it’s still alive, evolving, and ready to make anyone move. With their mix of musicianship, passion, and heart, they’re ensuring that the rhythm of ska keeps rolling for generations to come.