FROM ROCK 'N 'ROLL TO HARD CORE PUNK - UKZN ...

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Usuals played mainly reggae and ska music from the beginning, and
their recordings certainly reflect this interest. Their interest
in percussion and exploration of rhythm is also evident, with
band members playing a variety of percussion instruments
including timbales, congas, cowbells, woodblocks, shakers and
triangles. The band originally comprised Richard Ellis (lead
guitar), Graham Ellis (guitar), Paul Ellis (drums), Joe Bozza
(bass) and Jimmy Cordier (percussion). In the early stages of
their career, Joe Bozza was replaced by Keith Harwood on bass
guitar, while Richard Pullon (keyboards), Debbie Bell (ex­
Leopard, drums), Owen Taverner-Smith (bass), Mike Ellis (guitar)
and Robin Mathieu (drums) were guest artists on their album.
The Usuals recorded both a single ('Rules and Regulations' with
'Cuts and Bruises' on the flipside) and an album entitled Law of
the Jungle in 1982 76. These recordings reflect a wide variety
of popular music styles:
We have a wide taste in music, drawing influences from
Jamaica, the Caribbean, Latin America, England,
African township music and American jazz. We do a lot
of reggae, ska, rock - even funk ... we believe that
reggae should be played sincerely, not just ripped off
because it's gaining popularity. We hate commercial,
watered down tourist 'pap' that gets passed off as
reggae. n (Refer to cassette, Ex. 14).
The Usuals were tremendously successful in Durban, and also
undertook tours to Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg and Johannesburg.
The band received airplay on local radio stations, such as Radio
5, Capital Radio, Swazi Radio and Radio Port Natal. The Usuals
were also popular abroad, and were played on the college circuit
in America, Italy, Canada and New Zealand. Unfortunately,
however, the band members never saw any financial benefits from
their efforts, and like many local South African bands, soon
became disillusioned.
During the two years that The Usuals were together, however, they
76 Both recordings were made on the Southern Front label.
77 Quoted by B.Suter, The Natal Mercury, February 1981.