The Gladiators are a Jamaican roots reggae band founded in Kingston in 1965 by Albert Griffiths, who built the group's sound around three-part harmonies, biblical lyrics and a distinctly rootsy guitar style. Their classic lineup - Griffiths, bassist Clinton Fearon and rhythm guitarist Gallimore Sutherland - recorded for Studio One before signing with Virgin Records in 1976, releasing the landmark albums Trenchtown Mix Up and Proverbial Reggae. After Griffiths' death in December 2020, his son Al Griffiths took over lead vocals and continues to tour under the band's name.
The Gladiators performed a full concert set at Reggae Geel 2025 in Belgium, one of Europe's leading reggae festivals.
The Gladiators' Roots Natty LP - a collection of rare 1977-1979 recordings - was released on vinyl for Record Store Day 2025 via label TABOU1, limited to 1,000 copies.
The Gladiators were booked to perform at the Guidance Festival 2025 in Bourail, New Caledonia.
The Gladiators performed alongside The Congos at Rototom Sunsplash 2024, with the show streamed live.
The Gladiators and The Congos completed a joint European tour running from April to June 2024.
😴 Nothing scheduled with this artist in the near future.
