Let's Do Rock Steady

The Bodysnatchers version

The Bodysnatchers, a seven-piece all-girl band formed in 1979, had only recently learned their instruments when they attracted interest after their first gig in November 1979 supporting the Nips. They received several recording offers, including from EMI and Richard Branson, the latter proposing an album deal at Stax Studios in Memphis. In January 1980, they instead signed a two-single deal with 2 Tone. Their version of "Let's Do Rock Steady" was produced by Roger Lomas, known for his work with the Selecter and Bad Manners, and was recorded at a faster tempo. Twenty-six takes were required because Lomas repeatedly asked the band to play the song faster. Some band members and Jerry Dammers wanted the band's first original composition, "The Boiler", as the debut single, but 2 Tone's parent company Chrysalis pressured the group to release the more commercial "Let's Do Rock Steady". It was issued at the end of February 1980 as a double A-side with "Ruder Than You", written by the band with Gaz Mayall, to coincide with the second 2 Tone tour. The single entered the UK Singles Chart in the second week of March, reached its peak at number 22 four weeks later, held that position for the following week, and left the top 75 four weeks after that. The Bodysnatchers released only one more single, the double A-sided "Easy Life"/"Too Experienced" in July 1980, produced by Dammers, which peaked at number 50. The band split in November 1980 due to various pressures and internal differences.