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Marlon Thomas: New music released to mark 30th anniversary of attack which left Bristol man in ‘waking coma’

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Some of Bristol’s biggest music names have contributed to the ‘No Justice’ EP tribute to Marlon Thomas

Family and friends of Marlon Thomas, a Bristol man left in ‘a waking coma’ by a vicious racist attack at the hands of a mob of workers from a funfair on the Downs, are marking the 30th anniversary of that attack.

An EP of songs from some of Bristol’s leading music acts is to be released on Friday night to mark 30 years before Marlon’s life changed forever. The EP has been put together by Marlon’s brother, singer-songwriter Rudey Lee, and features members from the legendary Bristol music pioneers Smith & Mighty, among others.

In the week leading up to the anniversary of the attack which shocked Bristol back in 1994, Rudey said Marlon has been readmitted to hospital as a precaution.

The EP release will take place at midnight on Friday night into Saturday morning, March 30 – the 30th anniversary of the date of the racist rampage on the Downs which saw a large number of young black people assaulted by a mob of fairground workers armed with clubs and bats. Marlon, who was just 18 at the time, was the worst injured, and ever since has been in what the judge at the trial of some of those responsible described as ‘a living death’.

This week, Marlon’s brother Rudey said: “The attack left him severely disabled, and totally dependent on others for all of his physical needs, 24 hours daily. He was only a teenager at the time. He is wheelchair-bound, unable to speak or to alert for assistance. His vision is impaired and he is fed through a tube inserted into his stomach.

“Marlon was admitted into hospital on Sunday morning this week, with breathing complications due to displaying flu-type symptoms. He was admitted as a precaution to prevent the possibility of him contracting sepsis. We are always extra-concerned whenever he has to be admitted into hospital, for the fear of him going in with one infection, and returning home with another – which has happened several times previously.

Artwork for an EP called 'No Justice', featuring members of Smith & Mighty, put together by Rudey Lee, to mark the 30th anniversary of the attack on his brother, Marlon Thomas
Artwork for an EP called ‘No Justice’, featuring members of Smith & Mighty, put together by Rudey Lee, to mark the 30th anniversary of the attack on his brother, Marlon Thomas 

“As a tribute to Marlon, we are releasing an EP featuring productions from Rob Smith, Smith & Mighty, Peter D Rose and Raman, to whom all I would like to express my deepest gratitude for their assistance on the project,” he added. The EP is called ‘No Justice’, and is available initially on Rudey’s bandcamp outlet.
What happened to Marlon Thomas?

Marlon, now 48, was left with very serious injuries in a brutal attack in 1994, which shocked the city. He was 18 years old at the time, and is still described by family and supporters as ‘Bristol’s Stephen Lawrence’. There were two main differences between the murder of Stephen Lawrence on a London street less than a year earlier in 1993.

The first is those responsible for the stabbing of Stephen Lawrence were not brought to justice amid now much-publicised institutional racism within the police, while most of the racist thugs who battered Marlon to within an inch, maybe a millimetre of his life, were caught and convicted.

The second was 18-year-old Stephen was killed, while Marlon was revived at the scene, but suffered life-changing injuries which effectively stop all normal life for him and his entire family. The judge at the trial of his attackers described his condition as ‘almost a living death’, and his family have described his condition as a ‘waking coma’ – and there has been little change in his condition since he regained consciousness in hospital after the attack.

In 2004, on the tenth anniversary of the attack on Marlon Thomas, which left him in a waking coma for the rest of his life, there was a moving exhibition of photos from before and after the attack, held at the Malcolm X Centre 

It happened a long time ago, in a different age. There was no Internet or social media in March, 1994, when the funfair came to Durdham Downs in Bristol, so the Thomas family’s ordeal and struggle is not instantly known to many people in Bristol today – especially the next generation.

Part of the battle, his brother Rudey Lee said five years ago, was to keep Marlon’s name and what happened to him in the city’s consciousness, to make sure the younger generation remember and support.

For Marlon, now 48, and the other young black teenagers and children who were attacked that night have all turned or are nearing 50 now – a generation since that violent night.

The sickening night of violence

The Birmingham-based Bob Wilson’s Fair arrived at the Downs in Bristol in the last week of March, 1994.

Like thousands of teenagers, Marlon and his girlfriend went, but on the Wednesday night, the area around resembled a battleground, albeit a one-sided one.

Racist thugs who worked on the fair – including Bob Wilson’s son himself – armed themselves with baseball bats, hammers, spanners, iron bars, wrenches, pieces of wood and other weapons and prowled the fairground and the darker areas surrounding it, looking for young black teenagers – battering any they could find.

The attacking gang shouted racist abuse, and their own intent to hunt down young black people, with sickening slurs. Witnesses later told the court case as many as 20 fairground workers attacked young black people. Five were hospitalised, many more were injured, and Marlon was left for dead.

In 2004, on the tenth anniversary of the attack on Marlon Thomas, which left him in a waking coma for the rest of his life, there was a moving exhibition of photos from before and after the attack, held at the Malcolm X Centre 

He suffered catastrophic head and chest injuries and stopped breathing. A bystander, Vernon Walker, administered CPR and paramedics took over and saved his life – but Marlon’s head injuries were severe.

He was left in a coma, and when he woke was unable to move or speak, with severe brain damage. It took three years or more for him to be discharged from hospital, in what is effectively a ‘waking coma’. He can now, 30 years on, communicate yes or no through blinking, but the attack robbed him of his future and his family of, effectively, their lives too.

The campaign

A group of family, friends and supporters quickly set up a Justice for Marlon Thomas campaign. In the early days it notched a number of successes, galvanising the city to back their case.

They took the case to the then Home Secretary, got backing from MPs and the city council – and a 10,000-signature petition forced the Downs Committee to ban that family-run fair from ever going on the Downs again.

The campaign also supported the other young people who were attacked, and their families, giving the solidarity and strength to support the police in tracking down those responsible.

The convictions

Stephen Appleton, then aged 46, was sentenced to five years for causing GBH with intent, and two years for violent disorder, to run concurrently. William Wilson, the 19-year-old son of the funfair’s owner, was jailed for four years for GBH, and two for violent disorder – again to run concurrently, rather than consecutively.

Jason Appleton, then 19, was jailed for three and a half years for GBH and two years for violent disorder, while Anthony Thompson, then 20, was sentenced for two years for violent disorder. Given those sentences were handed down with Marlon still in hospital, the city was struck by their leniency.

The CPS decided to drop charges of attempted murder, and go for the easier-to-prove charges of GBH with intent, and there was no – as there is now – extra severity in punishment for the racist element to the attacks. All the sentences were to be served concurrently, which effectively meant the attacks on the other young people that night went unpunished in terms of jail time.

How the Bristol Post covered the tenth anniversary of the attack on Marlon Thomas
How the Bristol Post covered the tenth anniversary of the attack on Marlon Thomas

The Justice for Marlon Thomas Campaign fought for an appeal, and that was successful, with a couple of years added to sentence lengths. But it is testament to just how little time those guilty of the attacks spent time in prison that they were all released before the end of that decade, and resumed their lives, while Marlon remained, and still remains, in what the judge at the trial described as ‘a living death’.

Even though Judge David McCarraher’s said: “This was very nearly a murder, and from a practical point of view, the boy has really lost any possibility of enjoyment of life and is suffering in effect, almost a living death,” he still gave what a later appeal court ruled were lenient sentences.

The aftermath

Keeping Marlon Thomas’ name, case and identity alive took many forms. Just three years after the attack, and soon after he was eventually discharged from hospital, a housing association named a little block of one-bed flats for young, single people, after him – Marlon Thomas House still stands in St George.

New flats for young people in St George were named after Marlon Thomas – pictured here with local MP Jean Corston, mum Catherine and brother Leroy, in 1997 

A documentary film was made about the case, and to mark the tenth anniversary, an exhibition of the case – poignantly including photos of Marlon before the attack – took over the Malcolm X Centre in St Pauls.

But the campaign and the efforts of the family were soon devoted to caring for their son, brother and cousin.

They had to battle to get him home from hospital to live with mum Catherine – after almost four years – and that only happened when a suitable home was found for him to come back to.

And the campaign battled to get criminal injury compensation for those others attacked, the full compensation for Marlon only fully came to the family in 2015 – 21 years after the attack.

In those years since, the family and the campaign had to battle the social care authorities – primary Bristol City Council – to get as good quality and intensive care provision as they could.

In 2004, on the tenth anniversary of the attack on Marlon Thomas, which left him in a waking coma for the rest of his life, there was a moving exhibition of photos from before and after the attack, held at the Malcolm X Centre 

“The main reason that Marlon was hospitalized for that long, was because suitable accommodation was not found sooner,” said Rudey, speaking about his family’s ongoing situation back in 2019. “Our family were relieved that Marlon moved into his own home. The property had some minor defects, and was never ideal for Marlon’s needs. Marlon has had chest infections, and pneumonia several time over the years.

“In fact, Marlon had to be rushed into intensive care at Frenchay hospital, the week he was due to move into his own accommodation. He had taken ill, and remained there for a week, being aided with breathing, due to low oxygen levels and breathing difficulties.

“Marlon’s health has to be constantly monitored because his condition makes him more susceptible to infections. Which is why we fought so hard for him to move into his own accommodation. Over the years we have had to gradually make some major alterations to the property, as well as general maintenance,” he added. It is, Marlon’s brother said, a continuing fight, to make sure Marlon gets the best quality of life possible.

Marlon Thomas' brother Rudey Lee appearing on stage with Smith and Mighty at the Respect in the West 2000 festival at Eastville Park
Marlon Thomas’ brother Rudey Lee appearing on stage with Smith and Mighty at the Respect in the West 2000 festival at Eastville Park 

“Marlon has needed physiotherapy and hydrotherapy ever since he woke up from his coma, and we were determined to have that continue to date and have managed to do so, as well as to include aroma therapy, which we have maintained until now, with a lot of battling.

“Marlon has two carers 24 hours per day, which we have been demanded and fought for, since he was discharged from hospital, because we know these are absolutely necessary to meet his needs,” he added.

Getting this level of care was a relatively recent development – for years until they waited for the compensation claims to come in, the family effectively did the bulk of the care themselves, while they ‘battled the system to fund it’.

Marlon Thomas and Vernon Walker, April 2002
Marlon Thomas and Vernon Walker, April 2002

For years, getting Marlon the care he needed and deserved was a daily battle. “We have had to have countless meetings with the authorities on an almost several days per week basis, for years, to get funding for Marlon’s care needs to be met,” added Rudey in 2019. “Then cuts were made, and we had to go through of all these meetings again to get these needs met again, for further years.

“And we did all of this while attending court for many years, trying to finalise Marlon’s compensation claim, so that he could fund his own care, and while attempting to keep Marlon’s situation in the public eye. to maintain The Justice for Marlon Thomas Campaign, and The Justice for Marlon Thomas Campaign premises,” he added.

Let’s welcome our new members:

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The St Pauls Carnival legend ready to bring Ghetto Force back

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Selecta Watson looking ahead to the return of St Pauls Carnival 2023
Selecta Watson is looking ahead to the return of St Pauls Carnival 2023

A stalwart and legend of St Pauls Carnival has spoken of his excitement that the iconic Bristol event is back for the first time in four years.

And Selecta Watson has confirmed he will be bringing his Ghetto Force sound system to the stage in Portland Square, where thousands will party the day and evening away on July 1.

It’s the first full-scale St Pauls Carnival since 2019 – the pandemic stopped the party in 2020 and 2021, and last year’s was a series of smaller community events. And for Selecta, it will be a triumphant reconnection to something that’s been a huge part of his life for 40 years, and a return to his natural home – curating and MCing some of Bristol’s top talent in a wide range of musical genres on the day.

 

Selecta has been involved in carnival for as long as he can remember. He went from a child helping out at a family stall to being a key member of the organising committee, and staging the most popular and enduring sound system.

“I think the first time properly helping and doing something for the carnival was when I was about nine or ten,” said the St Pauls Carnival legend, who is now 49. “My uncle ran a stall on Brighton Street back then, and I would help him all day on that.

“I kept to that until I was maybe 18 or 19, and I was starting to get more and more into music. I was playing at christening and weddings and parties. My uncle’s good friend Rene ran a sound system called Godfather Sounds, which was always set up outside the Inkerman’s pub, and I think in about 1990 or 91 he said to me ‘why don’t you play with me at St Pauls Carnival?’ he asked me and I went along that first year, and started doing that every year,” Selecta said.

Looking back now, Rene was mentoring Selecta to take over what at the time was an already well-established and important sound system at carnival.

“He was an old guy back then and he took a step back a bit, but he was so important for me. He taught me how to set it all up, doing all the wiring, create a good sound system, and he showed me how to do things. I have just got so much love and respect for Rene. He said to me he wanted me to keep things going, and I promised him I would. He would just be so happy if he could see how it’s grown now,” he said.

The Ghetto Force stage at St Pauls Carnival in 2013
The Ghetto Force stage at St Pauls Carnival in 2013 

Selecta took over in the early-1990s, and in the mid-90s he joined famous Bristol pirate radio station Ragga FM, and for two years used the stage at the Inkerman as a platform for Ragga FM DJs.

By around 1998, it became the Ghetto Force stage, and for the past 25 years that’s been the name now synonymous with Selecta, through music nights at venues around Bristol and beyond, and there’s even a range of clothing with the GF brand.

An image from the police helicopter taken in 2012, showing the scale of the crowds at Selecta Watson's Ghetto Force stage outside the Inkerman in St Pauls at St Pauls Carnival
An image from the police helicopter taken in 2012, showing the scale of the crowds at Selecta Watson’s Ghetto Force stage outside the Inkerman in St Pauls at St Pauls Carnival 

“The stage has had changes over the years,” he reflected. “Back in the 2000s we were the only ones doing competitions, the dancehall king and queen, and I built it up so we had a national reputation – artists would want to play on the Ghetto Force stage. When I first started we had maybe ten people dancing in front in the street, and I remember that vividly. Now, we have thousands,” he added.

In the 2000s, Selecta got involved in running the entire event, and was a prominent figure in the carnival organising committee for many years. “I knew that it wasn’t enough for me to just do my stage, that if the event was to happen, then it needs people to step forward and help, so I did,” he said.

The carnival went through a few turbulent years in the 2010s, and has since been taken forward with a new organisation and board, but Selecta will still be heavily involved on the day, but in a different location.

After 2017, such was the crowds of previous years, organisers re-jigged the spaces and decided that Ghetto Force was so popular it needed to be in Portland Square. So in 2018 and 2019, thousands danced the day and evening away in the stage’s new location, only for the pandemic to cut the party short since then.

This year, Selecta is back with the motivation of three missed years to make up for, and determined to make the Ghetto Force stage the place to see Bristol artists shine.

“It’s all about giving Bristol artists a platform, and showing the people what Bristol is all about. I want to get Bristol artists to a certain level, and it will be a wide range of music, we’ll have reggae, R&B, hip-hop, Afrobeats, garage, drum n bass and jungle, and be a good mix of MCs, artists and DJs,” he said. “Portland Square is going to be crazy.”

Selecta Watson and rap star K-Ners, looking ahead to the return of St Pauls Carnival 2023
Selecta Watson and rap star K-Ners,

The list of artists already set to appear on the Ghetto Force stage includes K*Ners, Asher Simmons, Rass Kelly, Frilla, Dash Villz, reggae singer Alicia Scott, from Cardiff, Bristol’s top drum n bass and jungle syndicate Urban Front Sound, and other sound systems and artists. “It’s going to be amazing. I know Rene would just be so happy,” said Selecta.

Father Funk’s Church of Love

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Father Funk’s Church of Love

Fourth Birthday Tour

Event date and time: Feb 15th 10pm

The Church of Love is celebrating its FOURTH BIRTHDAY. What better way to celebrate it than with two wicked parties in two of the best cities on the planet – London and Bristol!

For the Bristol date the congregation will be returning to the Trinity for another biblical bash featuring some of Church Of Love’s all time favourite acts…

Oh My God! It’s The Church (DJ Set)
If you haven’t heard of Oh My God! It’s The Church then you’re in for a treat. A church service like no other – they are one of the most fun live acts on the UK festival circuit. Catch them playing a rare DJ set at the Church of Love, it’s quite literally a match made in heaven!

Hippo Sound System
DJ Hiphoppapotamus’ live band “Hippo Sound System” is another of the best live acts in the scene right now. Featuring a menagerie of talented musicians that bring the Hippos tropical flavoured riddims to life, Hippo Sound System always bring the sunshine to the dance floor.

Father Funk
The Church of Love’s own Father Funk has his own special recipe for rocking the party. Big bass lines, more exclusive remixes than you can shake a stick at, and a wealth of different flavours of fun and funky bass music, from Bass House to Drum & Bass.

X-Ray Ted
Red Bull 3Style finalist, Bristol boy and Church of Love resident X-Ray Ted is another one of our favourite party starters! He just got through to the finals of Red Bull 3Style AND recently supported Fatboy Slim (on a boat no less). His DJ sets include some slick turntablism, next level combos and plenty of original productions.

Mr Stabalina
If there was ever a time to use the phrase “one to watch” – it’s when referring to Mr Stabalina. Although he is relatively new to the scene Mr Stabalina is already absolutely smashing it. Expect some ridiculous mashups, a stupid amount of samples, and a extremely large helping of funk.

Bear Twists b2b MBB
Two of Bristols finest Bear Twists and Mista Bare Breeze team up for a b2b for the history books! Expect the unexpected.

Rose Rokoko’s Sleazy Sisters
It wouldn’t be the Church of Love without the Sleazy Sisters! These debaucherous deities are always the life of the party – here to repent your sins and dance all over your bass bins!

15/02/2020 10:00 PM to 04:00 AM

Where; The Trinity Centre
Ticket price: £7 / £9 / £11 adv + bf

Raver Tots w/ Nicky Blackmarket

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Raver Tots w/ Nicky Blackmarket

The UK’s number 1 award-winning family festival and rave

Raver Tots are really excited to come to Bristol for a crazy drum and bass party with tons of multi sensory kids fun suitable for all ages 0+ with a headline set from DJ Nicky Blackmarket! Don’t miss out!

Ticket info:

  • Tickets are advance only and will not be available on the door!
  • All adults need to have a valid ticket as well as children.

About Raver Tots:
Raver Tots is the UK’s biggest award winning rave for families / festival brand where kids and parents can get on the dance floor and party together. There are never ending moments to engage kids and parents alike, and above all, huge dance spaces where you can hear the nations biggest DJ’s playing the best in all forms of dance music. Our events can attract anything between 300 to 5000 people a time depending on the venue.

With over 15 million views on our videos last year and features on BBC, ITV, MTV, LadBible and more, Raver Tots is widely recognised as the nations most popular family event, often selling months in advance, with thousands of people in attendance every week around the nation.

Raver Tots has an ongoing charitable interest and donates thousands of pounds a year to an array of charities that help children with Autism and ADHD and other challenges.

Attraction:

We have worked hard to make our event unique to any other family event in the UK with a number of completely exclusive, trademarked elements that can never be replicated:

• Exclusively signed artists headline DJ’s & MC’s
• Unique Raver Tots Decor
• Raver Tots Merch, Glow & UV fun.
• Festival Sized Confetti Blasts
• Face Painting (not included in ticket price), Balloons and Bubble Blasters
• Parachute Fun (larger venues only)
• Huge Dance Floor & Lighting
• Music monitored at safe levels and events are fully risk assessed to meet health and safety guidelines.

Info:

1. Babies are free of charge if carried in a sling. Babies in a pushchair will need a ticket.
2. All kids under 12 require child tickets, children over 12 require adult tickets
3. Strictly no adults admitted unless accompanying a child/children and there is a maximum of three adults per child. NB – ALL ADULTS NEED TO HAVE A VALID TICKET AS WELL AS CHILDREN!
4. Our events are often very busy with hundreds and some times thousands in attendance.
5. Most venues will have a licensed bar with the option for responsible drink.
6. Please note parents remain responsible for children at all times. Children must remain under supervision.
7. Tickets are non-refundable are and can not be resold.
8. Buggies should not be taken onto the dance floor incase of tripping. Buggy’s parked at own risk.
9. For non-walking babies, baby slings or carriers are advisable.
10. Music is kept at safe levels. Bring ear defenders if you wish.
11. Allergy advice: We use latex balloons.
12. Expect club lighting in a club environment. Strobe lights MAY be used.
13. By attending, you give permission for Raver Tots to photograph and video the event for press and social media use. If you see a photo you wish to remove, please contact Raver Tots via their Facebook page.

02/02/2020  Starts 02:00 PM to 05:00 PM

Ticket price – £10 – £30 adv + bf

Teachings In Dub – IDG Bristol Launch Party

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https://youtu.be/1ZeUk7RcvV0
Bristol’s No1 Reggae, Dub & Steppas soundsystem night

Teachings In Dub are pleased to launch their first event for 2020.

  • Greenlight Soundsystem (Barcelona, Catalonia) w/ Daddy Sevi
  • Maasai Warrior Soundsystem (Bristol, Uk)

This is the official Bristol launch party for the International Dub Gathering in Spain. Two huge sounds who will be meeting in the TID arena.

Event date and time: 31/01/2020 10:00 PM to 05:00 AM

Where: The Trinity Centre
Ticket price: £5 / £10 / £12 / £15 adv + bf

Planet Shroom – Bristol’s no.1 Psytrance Event

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Planet Shroom returns with its annual Retox Rocket, featuring:

Room 1 – Psytrance

M-THEORY
Hyperdrine
Amaluna
Sean Shift
Lurk

Room 2 – Chill Space

Aliji & ‘Naked’ Nick Holden

Plus lights & lasers by Illumashroom Lasers, decor by inOrbit and Ink Junkie. L-Acoustics sound system. All at Bristol’s best venue.

25/01/2020 10:00 PM to 05:00 AM

Where: The Trinity Centre
Ticket price: £10 adv + bf
Age limit: 18+

Tickets on Sale…

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Sofa Sound

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Sofa Sound

Bristol DNB label are back with big baselines

Event date and time: Jan 24th 11pm

Sofa Sound are back with some killer DJs and MCs

  • Commix
  • Bladerunner dnb b2b Critical Impact + special guest
  • DLR
  • Hollie-may
  • Raze Soundsystem DJ Set

Powered by Sinai Sound System

Mixed lineup of what they categorise as drum and bass, no need to be pigeon holing with this one, just rolling beats and big juicy baselines. A little moment of sanctuary away from the madness that is this world.

See you in the rave.

24/01/2020 11:00 PM to 05:00 AM

Where: The Trinity Centre
Ticket price: £12 – £15 adv +bf
Age limit: 18 +

Beans on Toast

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Beans on Toast

Dealing with the topics of politics, drugs & love through Folk

+ support from Tensheds

Beans on Toast – The prolific cult songwriter is coming to a town near you.

Climate emergency? Boris as PM? Rail-melting heat waves? A No Deal Brexit? Beans’ new album could only ever be called one thing:

‘The Inevitable Train Wreck’.

For now he’s holding his cards quite close to his chest, but he’s promised “a rock’n’roll album about our dying planet”.

The new release from the Essex Folk hero will find him searching for hope and change in what may be Earth’s darkest hour. On-track for a 25 date tour across the nation this Winter, catch him playing songs from ‘The Inevitable Train Wreck’ and his huge, well loved back catalogue.

The Inevitable Train Wreck’ will be released on 1st December 2019.

www.beansontoastmusic.com

01/02/2020  Starts 07:00 PM to 11:00 PM  Ticket price – £15 adv + bf

01/02/2020
Starts 07:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Ticket price – £15 adv + bf

 

DJ Marky & Friends

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DJ Marky & Friends

Legendary Brazilian DNB turntablist

Presented by The Blast

DJ Marky brings his Marky & Friends night to Bristol’s original home of Drum & Bass.

Featuring an exclusive three hour set from the man himself as well as very special appearances from Hospital records heavyweight Nu:Tone, and Souped Up records’ hot new talent Dutta. Support comes from Bristol’s very own Jaydrop and Ts2W. And hosts on the night will be the legendary and much sampled MC GQ, alongside Blast resident MC Juma.

Capacity is strictly limited so don’t miss the opportunity to catch a lineup of incredible DNB artists.

Lineup:

DJ Marky (3 hour set)

Nu:Tone

Dutta

The Blast djs

Hosted by:

GQ

Juma