One of those groups whose songs are more famous than their name, The Viceroys, began in the mid-1960s.

Best known for songs like Ya Ho and Heart Made of Stone, they are preparing to tour this year with a new line-up.

Michael Gabbidon and Andrew Coombs are the latest edition of The Viceroys, who made their name as a trio. Gabbidon has been a member of the group since the 1970s, while Coombs joined five years ago, shortly after the deaths of stalwart members Norris Reid and Neville Ingram.

Wesley Tinglin, founder and chief songwriter for The Viceroys, died in 2018.

Gabbidon and Coombs have recorded two songs to date — Drums of Alke Bulan and Give Thanks — which were recently released.

“It’s important to show dat di group is current an’ wi still trodding di Earth. Wi have some great songs in di catalogue and some new songs people should hear,” Gabbidon told the Jamaica Observer.

There is no official itinerary as yet, but The Viceroys are scheduled to perform in the United States this summer. The biggest show is in August at the Sierra Nevada Music Festival in northern California.

Last year, Gabbidon and Coombs did eight shows in the US Midwest. One of those gigs took place at the Wild Hare in Chicago, a club that helped introduce reggae to Americans in major cities.

Tinglin, who was from Montego Bay, St James, formed The Viceroys while living in West Kingston. Bunny Gayle and Daniel Bernard were the other original members who recorded initially for producers Winston Riley and Clement Dodd.

Initially done for Studio One, Ya Ho was their first hit. Another version, recorded at Channel One, also made the charts in the mid-1970s.

In 1980, The Viceroys returned to the charts with the Sly and Robbie-produced Heart Made of Stone. They first toured Europe in 2000.