The Skatalites Celebrate 60 Years of Ska Legacy with Anniversary Tour

It’s not every day you get to witness true music royalty take the stage—but this year, fans of ska, reggae, and roots music are in for a historic surprise as The Skatalites are inviting you along to celebrate 60 years of musical influence with a global anniversary tour.

Mark your calendars for April 6th, because The Skatalites are bringing their timeless grooves to Saint Rocke in Hermosa Beach, promising a night of classic Jamaican rhythms, infectious horns, and dancehall energy that spans generations.

Long live ska. Long live The Skatalites.

Formed in 1964, The Skatalites are the architects of ska music, laying the sonic foundation that gave rise to rocksteady, reggae, dub, and eventually punk and ska-punk scenes across the globe. They backed early recordings by icons like Bob Marley & The Wailers, Toots and the Maytals, and Prince Buster, while also forging their own path with instrumental anthems like “Guns of Navarone,” “Phoenix City,” and “Freedom Sound.”

Their sound is a brilliant fusion of jazz, R&B, Caribbean mento, and calypso—a rhythmic melting pot that remains as vital and powerful today as it did in the ’60s. With a revolving lineup of elite Jamaican musicians, The Skatalites continue to preserve the spirit of the originals while injecting fresh energy into every performance. Their live shows are a masterclass in both musicianship and movement—this is dance music in its purest, most joyous form.

Now, six decades deep, the band is celebrating their legacy the best way they know how: by hitting the road and bringing the riddim to the people. Their 60th Anniversary Tour is not just a celebration of their impact—it’s a celebration of ska itself, from its earliest days in Kingston to its global influence in 2024.

Don’t miss out.

If you’ve never seen The Skatalites live, this is your chance to experience a piece of musical history. And if you have seen them before, you already know why this Saint Rocke show is a can’t-miss. The vibe is going to be irie, the crowd will be skanking, and the music will be as timeless as ever.

Tickets for the April 6th show are available now via Saint Rocke’s website. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or just diving into the roots of Jamaican music, this is one of those rare gigs that reminds you why live music matters.