Amoeba Music

We are thrilled to host legendary bass player, composer, and producer Jah Wobble at Amoeba SF for a reading, Q&A, and signing on Wednesday, July 17th at 5pm. Mr. Wobble will read from his new book Dark Luminosity: Memoirs of a Geezer (Expanded edition, Faber & Faber) followed by a short Q&A and signing! Purchase his new book or his latest albums A Brief History of Now and Metal Box – Rebuilt In Dub to join the signing line.

Also catch Jah Wobble at the Great American Music Hall later that night!

Jah Wobble, born John Joseph Wardle on August 11, 1958, is an English bass guitarist, composer, and music producer. He gained prominence as the original bass player for Public Image Ltd (PiL), a post-punk band formed by former Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon (Johnny Rotten). Jah Wobble's distinctive bass lines and experimental approach to music have made him a notable figure in the world of alternative and world music. He has a vast back catalog, including three big anthologies. 

Public Image Ltd (PiL):
In 1978, Jah Wobble joined Public Image Ltd as the bassist, contributing significantly to the band's sound. His powerful bass lines were a key element in PiL's pioneering post-punk sound, combining elements of punk, dub, and experimental rock. Wobble's collaboration with John Lydon during the late 1970s produced influential albums like Metal Box and Public Image: First Issue.

Solo Career:
Even before leaving PiL in 1980, Jah Wobble embarked on a diverse and prolific solo career. He explored various musical genres, including world music, ambient, and electronic. His solo work often featured collaborations with musicians from different cultural backgrounds, further expanding his sonic palette.

Jah Wobble has released numerous albums throughout his career, including solo works such as Betrayal (1980), Rising Above Bedlam (1991), Take Me To God (1994) , Molam Dub (2000), Chinese Dub (2008), Realm of Spells (2018), Metal Box – Rebuilt In Dub (2021), and A Brief History of Now (2023). His discography reflects a constant evolution and experimentation with different musical forms.

The albums A Brief History of Now and Metal Box – Rebuilt In Dub mark Wobble’s first U.S. releases since 2007’s Heart & Soul. Both albums were co-produced and performed with guitarist Jon Klein (Siouxsie & The Banshees / Specimen).

Philosophy and Influence:
Jah Wobble's musical journey is characterized by a fearless exploration of sound and a willingness to break musical boundaries. His commitment to embracing diverse cultures and styles serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians, encouraging them to push creative boundaries and explore the richness of global music traditions.

Beyond Music:
In addition to his musical endeavors, Jah Wobble has engaged in other creative pursuits, including writing. He authored an autobiography titled Memoirs of a Geezer in 2009, offering insights into his life and experiences in the music industry. An expanded version is now available via Fabers. 

In 2019 Jah Wobble founded the community music project “Tuned In.”  Its aim is combat loneliness, especially in regard to older men. 

Jah Wobble's enduring impact on the music scene, his willingness to experiment with various genres, and his open-minded approach to collaboration make him a compelling figure and a potential role model for those seeking artistic innovation and exploration.