V. ROCKET INTERNATIONAL

For almost 60 years, V Rocket International has dominated sound system culture in Nottingham. Starting out with a 50-watt sound system, progressing to valve amplifiers built by the skilled hands of Legs the Giant, V Rocket’s popularity took them from playing at house (blues) parties, to venues all over the world.

Over time, V Rocket has been hosted by various selectors and MCs; however, it was when brothers Ruben and Parliament joined the sound that the transformation truly began; this transformation continued with the introduction of Lady Vee. Her arrival made V Rocket unique as it was the first sound system in the UK to be co-run by a woman. Brains (our genius sound engineer), the late Bolo, Ranking, Scrapey Banton, the late Edginton (Edgy), Teacher Desi, Penny Irie, Ricky Stereo, Geoffrey the Driver and Daddy Wharf were all part of this transformed sound system family.

During the 70s and 80s, V Rocket competed ('clashed') against UK and international sounds including Sir Coxsone, Saxon, Unity, Java Nuclear, Master Blaster, Asha World Movement, Baron Turbo, Now Generation, Stone Love, Body Guard, Killamanjaro and many more. As a result, the archive of records grew, with dub plates from Channel One, King Tubby's (Jamaica) and King Jammy's. The sound system grew bigger too and in 1987 was shipped to Jamaica to join the crew and complete a six-week tour of the island.

Over the years many top artists have performed on V Rocket, including Shabba Ranks, Beenie Man, Ninja Man and Dennis Brown to Nitty Gritty, Brigadier Jerry, Josey Wales, Charlie Chaplin, Horace Andy, Maxi Priest, Mr Vegas and more!

As the sound system industry developed, V. Rocket moved with the times. Whilst maintaining the roots and foundation they were known and respected for, the sound introduced a younger generation of MC and selector; first came Val B and Belly who joined the sound in 1999 and 2002 respectively and then later, Fire Mark in 2006, DJ Marlz and DJ Keno joining as the most recent members.

V Rocket plays a mixed genre of music and given that it was founded in 1964, has an enviable and comprehensive catalogue of dubs from the late greats, foundation, rub-a-dub, roots and exclusives.

The sound is still very active and in recent years hosts big name events such as The UK Cup Clash and Full 100 as well as travelling both domestically around the UK and internationally in Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Portugal, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, USA, Jamaica and Gambia.

2022 was a big year of accomplishment for V Rocket as they were awarded the UK’s Best Sound System from the BLAC awards in conjunction with the Royal Air Force. The colossal achievement was the release of V Rocket International: A Sound System Dynasty which is a documentary detailing the monumental career of V Rocket and some of the significant milestones achieved along the journey. This documentary is the first of its kind to make it onto Amazon Prime and is also available on YouTube TV and 20+ streaming platforms worldwide.

In 2025, V. Rocket was honoured as the only British sound system invited to perform on the prestigious Far East Reggae Cruise, sharing the stage with internationally renowned sound systems and entertainers. This milestone further cemented their legacy as a respected force in reggae sound system culture.