Paul Fox, English singer and guitarist (d. 2007)

Paul Richard Fox, born on April 11, 1951, in Bermondsey, a historically working-class district of South East London, left an indelible mark as a British singer and guitarist whose innovative spirit resonated deeply within the punk and reggae scenes. His musical journey, which tragically concluded on October 21, 2007, saw him rise to prominence as a pivotal figure in the UK punk band, The Ruts. Fox's distinctive guitar work was not merely foundational to The Ruts' signature sound but also instrumental in carving out a unique niche that daringly fused the raw energy of punk with the rhythmic intricacies of dub reggae, earning him widespread respect and admiration from peers and critics alike.

His profound influence was succinctly captured in his obituary by The Guardian, which noted, "Fox played a pivotal songwriting role, and quickly became a model punk guitarist at a time when the three-chord thrash was the height of many of his contemporaries' ambitions." This observation highlights how Fox transcended the often-simplistic musical approach prevalent in early punk. Unlike many of his peers, who might have picked up a guitar solely to express punk's anarchic ethos, Fox brought a more seasoned musicianship to the table, having been immersed in guitar playing since the mid-1960s. His early influences, notably the legendary Jimi Hendrix, speak volumes about his commitment to instrumental mastery and pushing the boundaries of what a punk guitarist could achieve.

The Ruts and Ruts DC: A Legacy Forged in Innovation

Paul Fox was a founder member of The Ruts, a band that quickly garnered attention for its potent blend of aggressive punk rock and the hypnotic, bass-heavy grooves of dub reggae. This fusion was audacious for its time, demonstrating a sophisticated musical palette that went far beyond mere rebellion. However, the band faced a profound tragedy with the untimely death of their original lead singer, Malcolm Owen, who succumbed to a heroin overdose. This devastating loss could have marked the end for many bands, but The Ruts, driven by their artistic conviction, chose to evolve.

The remaining members continued under the new moniker, Ruts DC, with bassist Segs Jennings stepping up to lead vocals, and Fox contributing occasionally to the vocal duties while maintaining his crucial guitar role. This period saw them release an album for Virgin Records, followed by a truly "ground-breaking" dub LP for Bohemian. This particular album was a testament to their adventurous spirit, showcasing their deep appreciation for reggae's experimental side and further solidifying their reputation as innovators rather than mere punk purists. The band eventually decided to split in 1983, leaving behind a legacy of challenging conventions.

Post-Ruts DC Ventures and Collaborations

Following the dissolution of Ruts DC, Paul Fox's musical journey was far from over, instead branching into a diverse array of collaborations and new projects that underscored his versatility and enduring appeal. He joined Dirty Strangers, a London-based rock band, contributing to two albums that notably featured guest appearances from none other than The Rolling Stones' guitarists, Keith Richards and Ron Wood. This high-profile collaboration was a clear indicator of the esteem in which Fox was held by rock legends.

In 1983, Fox formed another group, Choir Militia, though this venture proved to be short-lived. His relentless musical drive then led him to work with Screaming Lobsters in 1987, and subsequently with Fluffy Kittens from 1991 to 1994. Through these various projects, he managed to retain a dedicated following of "hard-core fan interest," a testament to his consistent creativity and connection with his audience.

His commitment to music extended to charitable causes, as evidenced by his participation in Mat Sargent's 1996 charity album, "Sex Drugs and HIV." Fox played on the poignant track "Heroin," a song that brought together an impressive roster of talent, including Pauline Black from The Selecter on vocals, Tony Barber of the Buzzcocks on bass, Dave Parsons from Sham 69 on second guitar, and Pete Davis of UK Subs on drums. This period also saw a shift in his professional life, as his musical career began to intertwine with carpentry, reflecting a pragmatic yet passionate approach to life. Despite this, he continued to release music, cutting singles with the Chelsea Punk Rock Allstars in 1997 and collaborating with the legendary ska artist Laurel Aitken in 2000.

Later Years: Guest Appearances and a Poignant Revival

In his later years, Paul Fox remained an active and respected figure in the music scene, frequently appearing as an occasional guest guitarist with The Riffs, a dynamic London-based ska band featuring Mark Clements, Dave Fisk, Andy Gillard, Spencer Taylor, and Duane Matthews. His presence graced various shows across the south-east of England and at several festivals, much to the delight of fans.

A notable performance occurred in 2005 at London's iconic Club Ska, where he performed a number of tracks. This included a powerful cover of The Ruts' "Jah War" and a song with the esteemed Jamaican reggae singer Winston 'Mr Fix-it' Francis, both of which were immortalized on the album "The Riffs - Live at Club Ska" released by Moonska Records. Later that same year, Fox joined members of The Riffs, his son Lawrence, and Geno Blue of the Chelsea Punk Rock Allstars as "The Ruts / Riffs Allstars" at a moving memorial concert for the late, great "Godfather of Ska," Laurel Aitken, in Leicester. During this heartfelt tribute, they performed a short but memorable set featuring numbers from The Ruts, The Riffs, and Aitken's own repertoire.

In 2006, Fox made the decision to revive The Ruts' name and their iconic songs, embarking on a tour with a new line-up affectionately known as "Foxy's Ruts," which proudly featured his son, Lawrence, on drums. This intergenerational collaboration was a testament to his enduring musical spirit and the passing of the torch.

A Final Farewell

Paul Fox's remarkable life and career were cut short when he passed away from lung cancer in October 2007. However, just three months before his death, on July 16, 2007, a truly poignant event unfolded: Fox headlined a concert organized in his own honor. This special occasion brought him together for one final, unforgettable performance with his surviving Ruts bandmates, David Ruffy and John "Segs" Jennings. Adding to the significance of the evening, Henry Rollins, a long-time admirer and ardent fan of The Ruts, graciously stepped in to fill the void left by the original Ruts' singer, Malcolm Owen. This final concert served as a powerful testament to Fox's incredible talent, his profound impact on music, and the deep respect and affection he commanded from musicians and fans worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Fox

What was Paul Fox best known for?

Paul Fox was primarily known as the guitarist and a founding member of the British punk band, The Ruts. He was celebrated for his unique guitar style that blended punk with dub reggae.

What made The Ruts' sound distinctive?

The Ruts' sound was distinctive for its innovative fusion of raw punk energy with the rhythmic and textural elements of dub reggae, a blend largely attributed to Fox's sophisticated guitar playing.

Who influenced Paul Fox's guitar playing?

Paul Fox cited the legendary Jimi Hendrix as a significant influence on his guitar playing, distinguishing him from many of his punk contemporaries who often favored a more simplistic style.

What happened to The Ruts after their original singer's death?

After the tragic death of their original lead singer Malcolm Owen, the band continued as Ruts DC, with bassist Segs Jennings taking over vocals and Paul Fox making occasional vocal contributions.

Did Paul Fox collaborate with any famous musicians outside of The Ruts?

Yes, Paul Fox collaborated with several notable musicians. He played with Dirty Strangers, whose albums featured Keith Richards and Ron Wood of The Rolling Stones. He also recorded with Pauline Black (The Selecter), Tony Barber (Buzzcocks), Dave Parsons (Sham 69), Pete Davis (UK Subs), and Laurel Aitken, among others.

What was Paul Fox's final public performance?

Paul Fox's final public performance was on July 16, 2007, at a tribute concert in his honor, where he performed with his surviving Ruts bandmates David Ruffy and John "Segs" Jennings, with Henry Rollins filling in for Malcolm Owen.

When and how did Paul Fox die?

Paul Fox passed away in October 2007 from lung cancer.

Did Paul Fox's son also pursue music?

Yes, Paul Fox's son, Lawrence, played drums in "Foxy's Ruts" when Paul revived The Ruts' name for a tour in 2006, continuing his father's musical legacy.