Dr. Ring-Ding

For over 25 years, vocalist and trombonist Dr. Ring-Ding has been a towering figure in the European ska, dancehall and two-tone scenes, a true protector and lover of the culture. He began playing music as a child when he picked everyone's favourite instrument, the recorder, and set out on his musical journey, eventually picking up the trombone that would be his entry into the world of ska music. In 1987 he joined El Bosso & Die Ping Pongs, where he stayed cutting his teeth for five years before stepping out to the front of the stage as the frontman of Dr. Ring-Ding & The Senior Allstars. He quickly found success behind the mic due to his incredibly distinctive voice and toasting abilities, singing in English, German, French and Patois. Such an impactful performer is Dr. Ring-Ding that his set at the fifth-ever Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest (Then just Victoria Ska Fest) in 2005 is still the stuff of legend, revered by long-time festival Massive. The good doctor is a man more than well-versed in the intricacies of Jamaican-rooted musics finding equal success in reggae, ska and dancehall. Whether he's with a selector, a soundsystem, a live band, after more than a quarter century, Dr. Ring-Ding remains one of ska's most dynamic vocalists.