South-West outfit The Barefoot Bandit kick off 2026 with a bold reimagining of The Clash’s iconic ‘The Guns Of Brixton’, delivering a version that bridges generations of UK sound system culture. Following a breakout 2025, the band return with a release that both honours the original and pushes it into new sonic territory.
Rooted in dub and reggae foundations, their take on ‘The Guns Of Brixton’ layers echo-drenched guitars, militant rhythms, and heavyweight bass with a striking brass arrangement that adds urgency and bite. But just as the track settles into its groove, it takes an unexpected turn, accelerating into a high-energy drum & bass finale, fusing breakbeats and rave intensity into the mix.
It’s a reinterpretation that reflects the band’s ethos: connecting the dots between punk, reggae, and electronic music while injecting their own live-band energy. With a growing reputation built on standout performances at festivals like Glastonbury, Boomtown, and Boardmasters, and new material on the horizon, The Barefoot Bandit are stepping into their biggest year yet.
We caught up with The Barefoot Bandit to talk about reworking a classic like ‘The Guns Of Brixton’, the influences behind their genre-blending sound, and what’s next as they build momentum into 2026.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
Started playing guitar at a young age – Dad used to play songs in the kitchen on his guitar and listen to records by The Specials, Desmond Dekker, Bob Marley.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
The Cat Empire has always been a huge influence and bands like Fat Freddys Drop, The Police.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
Playing for the first time at Glastonbury in 2013.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
These days someone in the band will come up with an idea and I (Laurie, vocalist) will write the topline and lyrics.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
I like to write a lot about nature and life experiences. Capturing a moment hopefully people can relate to.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
There are bad things in the world but there is always hope.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
The cost-of-living crisis makes it all the harder to be a touring band in 2026.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
Playing on Beautiful Days main stage in front of our biggest ever crowd last year
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
As a band we are always trying to reinvent ourselves whether in songwriting or live shows.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
We have taken some time off touring in the first quarter of the year in order to write loads more music.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
Hopefully touring/writing/releasing successfully and hopefully not too damaged by AI music.
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Listen to The Barefoot Bandits’ take on ‘Guns Of Brixton’ below.
