Grandmaster Flash

The Message rapper on the decks in Medway

Hip-hop pioneer Grandmaster Flash has announced a gig at the Casino Rooms in Rochester.

In association with local music promoters TEA, the original rapper has confirmed he will visit the Medway club and jump back on the decks for Kent fans.

The era-defining icon, real name Joseph Saddler, created the loop and cross-fade DJ techniques, spinning minds and decks across the globe during the 70s and 80s.

Name checked as an inspiration to hip-hop stars around the world, Grandmaster Flash stoked the musical fires of greats including Run DMC, Public Enemy, Beck and Jay Z.

Grandmaster Flash

TEA’s Matt Ashdown said: “We’re always so excited to book a new band, people that will sell out in a blink in bigger cities but fit into much more intimate venues in Medway. But we’ve all been influenced by the past and since welcoming Damo to the gig at Gillingham’s LV21 Lightship, we’ve been looking for leftfield artists that genuinely changed the shape of what was to follow.

“With Grandmaster Flash we’ve booked a man that, not only embraced the DIY ethic six years before punk but altered how music could be played and, crucially, enjoyed.

“We’ll concentrate on bringing those newer bands to Kent audiences. But now and again we’ll want to surprise people with a jaw-dropping name from the past. And when we got the confirmation from Grandmaster Flash’s agent, my gnashers almost hit the floor.”

The Furious Five godfather is still at the heart of modern day rap and will be hitting the decks at Casino Rooms on November 9. Tickets just £12.

Tickets go on general release on this Friday, August 3 at 9am via a number of online ticket outlets. Visit www.teaconcerts.co.uk.