S13 E1: David Ruffy

I Wanna Jump Like Dee Dee

For me, emotional intelligence is one of the most important attributes we need today – things like empathy, self awareness, self regulation, and the ability to interact socially - well, I just feel that they should be taught from the day we are born and, if we don’t, then generation after generation is going to be born into a world where, in the context of our social and political climate, we’re not given those tools, selfishness, indifference and dehumanisation in the very widest sense will continue to grow.

I mention all of this as it’s 45 years since The Ruts released their first single, In A Rut, famously and very importantly on Misty In Roots’ label People Unite and still to this day one of the most memorable, anthemic debuts and the first of a seminal series of singles that are still as potent now as they were then. Forward to where we find ourselves now and I find myself thinking that the strong, singular message that David Ruffy and The Ruts and Ruts DC projected - that of People Unite - is as relevant and important as ever and that their own emotional intelligence continues to be the driving force behind their entire ethos.

Ruffy is obviously best known for his beautifully rhythmic and melodic drumming with The Ruts and Ruts DC - and, in fact they are just about to release their 3rd acoustic album and go out on tour to support this - but he's also worked with a vast array of legendary musicians and bands – Sinead O’Connor, Prefab Sprout, Aztec Camera, Kirsty MacColl, Adam Ant, Pete Townshend, Mica Paris…I should probably stop here otherwise we’ll be here all day??!!

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I Wanna Jump Like Dee Dee is the music podcast that does music interviews differently.

Giles Sibbald talks to musicians, DJ’s and producers about how they use an experimental mindset in every part of their lives.
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