Steve Barker – broadcaster, legendary record head, roots reggae authority, and last but not least, The Wire’s longstanding dub columnist – will take to the stage in London this week for a rare appearance. Walthamstow Rock ’n’ Roll Book Club in conjunction with London dub club General Echo will present an evening of discussion and tunes looking back over Steve’s career, including his epic stint at BBC Lancashire – his On The Wire show debuted 40 years ago this year, making it one of the longest running shows on UK radio.

The event on Thursday 8 November follows a recent audio documentary on Steve’s life and work, which discussed his anarchic and influential radio show, one of the first outposts for house and techno in the North West, as well as a love affair with music which saw Steve in the thick of the action in the psychedelic and post-punk eras and beyond.

Steve will be in discussion with Tony Naylor, discussing his extraordinary life in music with as many anecdotes as he can fit in. He’ll also join General Echo residents at the turntables. The event marks General Echo’s third anniversary at Walthamstow venue The Victoria, and they’ll have special celebratory hand-stamped mixtapes available to celebrate the occasion. Tickets are available here.