Tribute to Colin Jerwood

For close to 40 years Colin and Conflict have been a big part of my life. Conflict introduced me to the animal rights movement with the song “This is the ALF” and that has been a path I have never strayed from since. Colin’s lyrics were often direct, in your face and confrontational but he also mixed it up with songs that showed a softer side of himself. The number “A message to who” contains some of the best lyrics he ever wrote and has been a constant go too of mine since I first heard it in 1989, especially during hard times and there have been plenty. I was very excited for Colin and the band when I heard they were putting out a new album and I was really looking forward to seeing what they would do next. The dub reggae elements on the new album were really good and all these gigs were lined up. It seemed like the start of a new era. Then to my shock and horror I get the news that Colin has passed away. I am still trying to process this, it doesn’t seem real that Colin could be gone. My thoughts are with Colin’s family and friends during this terrible time. I hope they can all find the strength to carry on as I am sure Colin would want them too.