Steve ‘Duck’ McLane was one of the original members and composers of The Blue Riddim Band. His early exposure to reggae music led him to frequent visits to Jamaica during the 1970s where he built relationships with local band Soul Syndicate.  Later on they were the opening act for the likes of Dennis Brown, Big Youth, Burning Spear, Peter Tosh and Bob Marley when they toured the United States. They went to Jamaica in 1981 where they recorded for the legendary King Jammys. In 1982 they became the first reggae band from the United States to play the now defunct annual Sunsplash music festival.  They played again at the same festival the following year.