THIRTY-EIGHT years ago when Lloyd Parks formed We The People Band, he was an in-demand session musician, playing regularly at the rival Channel One and Joe Gibbs studios.

Working with roots-reggae acts back then has served the band well. This week, Parks leads the seven-piece unit to Europe where they will back mainly veteran acts on top festivals.

“It’s great going out, ’cause there’s a feeling in some places that foreigners are taking over the music,” says Parks. “I can tell you, the promoters are excited to have us.”

We The People kick off their three-festival stint on Saturday at Garance in France. There, they will back Everton Blender, Johnny Osbourne, John Holt, Stranger Cole, The Tamlins and Cornel Campbell.

Next stop is the August 2-4 Reggae Jam Festival in Bensunbruck, Germany where The Tamlins, Holt, Ras Shiloh, Marcia Griffiths, Yami Bolo, Leftside, Aaron Silk and Jah 9 are the artistes the band will back.

The August 17-25 Rototom Festival in Benicassim, Spain is the final slot for Parks and his musicians. They will support Holt and fellow rock steady giant Leroy Sibbles.

Lebert ‘Gibby’ Morrison (guitar), Robbie Lyn and Earl Fitsimmons (keyboards), Junior Bailey (drums), Everol Wray (trombone, trumpet) and Everton Gayle on saxophone will be on the road with Parks.

For over 15 years, Lloyd Parks and We The People were the official backing band for Dennis Brown. They also played on several of the singer’s hit songs.