Volume 1: Issue 9: September 2001

Welcome to the September update of wailers.co.uk. Each month we plan to bring you news and opinions of the Wailers and associated affairs, with regular contributors offering articles and reports from around the world.

THE STEPPING RAZOR REMEMBERED
By James Wilson

"It is only the truth that can make a man live".

September 11, 2001 marks the 14th anniversary of Peter Tosh's passing. On that fateful night Dennis 'Leppo' Lobban and 2 other gunmen burst into Peter's house and demanded money, Peter tried to reason with Dennis and the other hoodlums claiming that he didn't have any money in the house but would try and arrange to get some money to Dennis. Dennis thought about this for what seemed an age and then opened fire emptying two bullets at point blank range into Peter's head. Peter Tosh was pronounced dead in a local Kingston Hospital late that evening, murdered by an old friend. After all Peter had done for him this was how he repayed him by silencing one of the most powerful voices ever in the history of music.

Peter was just 42 years of age but lived an emotional and action packed life, his life was a struggle from beginning to end. Born Winston Hubert McIntosh, re-born in 1976 as Wolde Semayat.

Peter suffered an horrific car crash whilst driving home from visiting Bob Marley at 56 Hope Road. His girlfried Evonne was in the car with Peter when he hit an on coming vehicle travelling on the wrong side of the road. The accident left Peter with a fractured skull, unfortunately Evonne was badly crushed and remained in a coma for three weeks before she died.

Tosh was a mystic man, stepping razor, freedom fighter and missionary all rolled into one. He fought for equal rights and justice and never minced his words, he was sometimes out spoken, out landish and brutally honest.

His songs ranged from the cry of legalizing ganja, pleas for black people to realise their roots, social and racial equality and testifying his love for Rastafari.

Peter Tosh seemed to be fueled by controversy, controversy seemed to follow Peter where ever he went. At the One Love Peace Concert in April 1978 Peter stood up on stage and lit up a spliff much to the annoyance of the Jamaican Heads of State. He proceeded to verbally bash everyone in power in Jamaica asking why marijuana was not legal. It was real fire and brimstone. This remarkable recording was made available to the word last year thanks to JAD records.

Peter was a vehicle for the word of Jah, a spanner from his toolbox, passing on the message. His greatest desire was to see the brighter day when "Right Is Right" and "Wrong Is Wrong," and every man gets pay according to his work -no more, no less.

Peter recorded on the Rolling Stones record label from 1978 until 1981, even receiving a minor chart hit in England with Don't Look Back which was a duet with Mick Jagger, however Peter's relationship with the Stones came to an abrupt end when Peter who was staying at Keith Richards home in Jamaica refused to vacate the premises upon Richards return as he thought the Stones owed him. When asked what Peter thought of his work with Mick Jagger he replied: "Working with Jagger, I thought it would have given me exposure, but I don't think it has given me the right exposure. If it had given me the right exposure then people would all know my name, yet there are many people who still don't know me".

Peter suffered numerous beatings by the Police for his open smoking of ganja in the streets of Jamaica. He also suffered the consequences for his attack on Manley and Seaga at the Peace Concert by being brutalised by Police, he was whipped for over 30 minutes by several Police officers armed with batons, they broke his arm and fractured his skull.

Although never experiencing the same success that Bob received Peter carved out a very successful solo career for himself. His debut album although not being a huge seller made Peter an even bigger star in his home of Jamaica then he was already. Legalize It was banned from radio stations in Jamaica but despite this it was still the number 1 song. Tosh was even branded an "outlaw" due to the releasing of the album. His follow up album Equal Rights is considered by many to be Peter's finest album. The album was made mostly of original workings and saw Peter pleaing for equal rights and justice and telling black people to get up and stand up for their rights.

He played to crowds of 80,000 and more whilst opening up for the Rolling Stones on the 1978 tour. During his 1979 tour of Europe he sold more than 170,000 tickets. Fans worldwide appreciated Peter's music and what he stood for, he was a hero to many and they came out in droves to see Peter perform live.

Some would later criticize Mama Africa, Tosh's EMI-America comeback album, for its "commercia"" revamping of Johnny B. Goode, which was released witha nifty video and a sizeable airplay-oriented promotion campaign. However, time has shown that, from the title track to his homage to Chuck Berry, a redisciplined Tosh had finally, truly, enlivened and enriched his reggae palette.

His final album No Nuclear War was released just before his passing and earned him a grammy for best reggae album, it was a tragic shame that he was not able to pick up this award that he so rightfully deserved.

Tosh's songs were a revolution, because of this he was a threat to society. Peter Tosh was more than a pop star. Gone but not forgotten, his music and message lives on. Two of the finest Peter albums ever to grace the stores were recently released in August; Live & Dangerous on the Columbia/Legacy label whilst the highly anticipated acoustic album I Am That I Am was issued by JAD.

The legacy lives on as his reputation continues to grow. He has inspired countless people to fight against oppression. He was a man of principle and courage, a poet, philospher and prophet. He was the stepping razor.

Dr. Lowell Taubman writes...
Any occasion to remember Peter should be taken. We should use every opportunity to be reminded of Peter's greatness and importance.

Peter was his own person, just like you and I , and should not be compared to anyone. (I am that I am)

THE BRIGHTEST FLAME
By Andy Clayden

It is often said that the flame that burns brightest also burns shortest. In Peter Tosh's short time on Earth he illuminated our minds with his words of wisdom and power, tuned us into the thoughts of a former ghetto sufferer, while telling the world of the poor man's plight against the beast that is Babylon.

Peter was a clever, witty man, but his wit was not wasted on purile jokes. Instead he used his talent for word-play to add a sting of irony to his forceful tirades against the unjust workings of society. When it was time to stand up for your rights, Peter was always on the frontline, haranguing officialdom while openly smoking the outlawed herb. "Legalize it, don't cristiscise it".

Peter laughed in the face of Babylon and cheekily tweaked the nose of fear!

People can recall Tosh as an outspoken man, but if the alternative is to sit, wonder and do nothing, this is a blessing. Peter walked the walk. Many have been called over the years, but few have had enough conviction to do what he did; Openly cristicising the powers that be at the 1978 Peace Concert was an incendiary moment, but it came from the heart, and Peter eventually paid a heavy price for this "affront". Some called him the "Stepping Razor", but he also bore the nickname of the "Toughest", and it was well earned.

Peter risked physical abuse for his beliefs, but would not compromise - "is word, sound and power that break down the barriers of opression." he declared, and no one carried heavier verbal artillery than Peter. As he stood on the stage at the National Stadium on 22nd April 1978, chastising both the government and opposition on the continued outlawing of herb, the atmosphere was electrically charged. Without apprehension he delivered his artful sermon to the assembly, taking the responsibility upon himself to act as the mouth piece for those who were not in a position to be heard.

The unabridged title of his record label, Intelligent Diplomat For His Imperial Majesty, is a fitting epitaph for the man.

It is not with heavy hearts that we should remember Peter on this sad aniversary. He lives on through the spirit of his music, so let the dead bury the dead! Peter Tosh? He never died.


TOSH TRIBUTE IN OCTOBER
The life and music of Peter Tosh are to be celebrated in a series of events during October, including a levture at the University Of West Indies and an all-star concert in Negril. King Of Kings productions, led by Worrel King are organising the event to run between October 11th and the 20th, and will feature a forum of the late Wailers works organsied by UWI lecturer Dr Clinton Hutton.

The proceeding will climax with a musical tribute on Saturday 20th at Central Park, West End, Negril. Expected to perform are former lead singer of Black Uhuru, Mykal "Grammy" Rose, Abijah, VC, Everton Blender, Richie Spice, Rastarenes, Edi Fitzroy Peter's son Andrew Tosh.


I AM THAT I AM
Peter Tosh - "I am the dean of my university"

The second Peter Tosh album that was released in the month of August was one of the most anticipated Peter albums of all time; I Am That I Am, a selection of acoustic cuts and interview clips. JAD released the album on August 13th, a week after the live set was released by Columbia/Legacy. The album contains 12 interview segments alongside 13 acoustic songs, making for a jam packed disc of Word, Sound and Power. Numerous interview segments collect material from reasoning sessions conducted in Chicago 1977, Oregon 1977 and Vienna 1980 amongst others.

The interview clips manage to convey both Peter's militant and sensitive sides and give the world a chance to hear Peter talk intimately and openly on a number of topics such as his beating after the One Love Peace Concert, his start in music, assassination plots and his future in Africa. One of the real highlights of the disc is Peter's version of Richie Haven's Handsome Johnny, which was recorded by Peter in late 1976 for Dermott Hussey's radio show during an ad break, marching to the Angolan war with an M16 in his hand; just one of the many gems on this unmissable collection. The cover features a striking colour picture of Peter plucking his acoustic guitar, one of the many incredible photos included in the artwork, whilst the backcover features 3 more beautiful photos all taken by world famous photographer Kate Simon.

The 25 track disc opens with the title track I Am That I Am, Peter playing a very soft, soulful, gentle tune, showcasing one of the tracks from Peter's latest album at the time Equal Rights. Peter toured a number of radio stations promoting the album by sitting down for interviews and performing a number of acoustic tracks, these acoustic tracks and interview clips are used throughout the disc, with the bulk of material coming from the hip radio stations in Chicago (WXFM) and Oregon (KZEL).

Peter's vocals are at one with his acoustic guitar and in perfect harmony as he begins to pick up the pace whilst singing loud and proud. The house must have been rocking at the foundations. The song comes to a melting finale with Peter humming along with just his guitar for company.

The first interview segment is pulled from an interview with Mel Cheplowitz for the KALX Berkeley radio station. Peter discusses his start in music at 3 years old, making his first instrument at 5 (a piece of board, sardine can and strings) and how people would paid to hear him play. He tells Mel that he took piano lessons whilst still at school for 6 months, reaching 5th grade but he has been killed and humiliated so many times that he doesn't remember anything about music, forgetting how he could play when he was 13. Peter touches on starting the Wailers with Bob, Bunny, Vision, Joe Higgs, Beverly and Cherry and how a group of seven couldn't cope as it was too big and so the group broke down to 3.

Peter's voice is very soft and low on Fire Fire, whispering at times, in preacher like mode, giving one of his finest sermons. "Stand up and fight and give me freedom" sings Peter defiantly, before exclaiming that "Babylon's burning". A sublime acoustic rendition of the song that was originally recorded with the Wailers in 1968 on their own Wail'N Soul'M label, with Peter's vocals sounding harmonious and angelic.

During his interview in Oregon Peter claims that it is totally illegal and against his religion not to smoke herb. He talks about travelling into American and being stopped for herb even though herb is created for medical and scientific purposes. The clip closes with Peter telling Chris Mays that Ganja is a bird in Australia!

A short, slow and delicate rendition of Pick Myself Up from KZEL follows. The song was unreleased at the time (it was released a year later on Peter's debut album on the Rolling Stones Record label, Bush Doctor). The pace picks up with Peter really jamming out hard. Peter holding onto each note as long as possible, his deep voice booming throughout the room. He closes the track by telling Chris that "this is what herb does" to a round of applause from the 20 or so people (record store managers, fans, roadies, station workers etc..) lucky enough to have been present in the room.

Peter talks about going through all kinds of humiliations such as singing and only getting $20 despite the Wailers having songs at numbers 1,2 and 3 on the charts and still having songs at 9 and 20 coming up. He tells Saul Smaizys of WXFM that during those times his shoes only had uppers, no downers.

A short instrumental rendition of Can't You See continues the disc, a rocking rhythm set at quite a fast tempo, the atmosphere in the studio electric with Peter having a great deal of fun, before finally picking up the tempo once more towards the end for a fast jam.

A soulful version of Stop That Train from Chicago follows on, featuring some glorious vocals. Peter was a fantastic guitarist and he really showcases his talents during the promotional appearances, strumming soft chords in smoky environments, a big cone sized spliff resting comfortably on Peter's lower lip, taking a draw on occasion. Peter would later re-cut Stop That Train 6 years later for his Mama Africa album. The song closes with a fantastic instrumental passage.

Paul Smaizys asks Peter if he is exponding a new philosophy, to which Peter replies that it "isn't a new philosophy, it is the world's philosophy, it is a philosophy of humanity, it is the philosophy of the commandments of Jah, given unto man and that inadequate distribution of the earth's resources is causing complication upon creation". He explains to Saul that the youths have to rise up and see cause Jah call upon the youth as they are strong; physically, mentally and spiritually.

Peter then begins to strum a mellow intro to Fool's Die. A pure and true version, sounding like a hymn. A nice slow and relaxed version of the song that would see release on the Wanted: Dread & Alive album more than 4 years later. This is one of only 2 tracks that all three original Wailers have released separate versions of (the other of course Get Up Stand Up).

Peter sings meaningfully "The rich mans wealth is in the shity" he then begins to pick up the pace and another great instrumental break showcases his talents as a guitarist and the tune closes to an end. This haunting version is very reminiscent to Bob's Redemption Song, very touching and poetic making for one of the disc's real highlights and stand out tracks.

In an interview for Vienna TV in 1980 Peter tells the interviewer that you "read about Daniel, David, Isiah, Jesus Christ in the bible but they are just fantasy paintings of I'n'I's reality". He informs listeners that the rastaman is nothing new under the son, he lives the life of Christ but doesn't intend to subordinated to colonialism, slavery and victimisation and the shitstem. He even tells the journalist that he ""doesn't like to talk English cause it gets his tongue complicated".

A long intro jam which builds into Jah Guide soon begins. A really powerful intro to one of the songs from Peter's latest album at the time. He sets a fantastic tempo on his guitar and sticks with it, really ripping it up, the house at this point was probably shaking! A real testament to Jah with Peter singing with a lot of pride and conviction. There is a fantastic instrumental passage to close out the song with Peter just jamming away, in his own world, oblivious that he is in a small room taking part in a live interview segment.

Peter urges his black bredren of Chicago to overcome their low self-esteem and that they need to get more conscious of themselves and recognise the colour of their skins and love it, before insisting that "sheep don't grow hair".

A second take of Can't You See (this time a full vocal version) starts with a sweet instrumental passage, playing the chorus first before joining in. Peter's vocal delivery is very slow as his guitar ambles along with him, before slipping into another instrumental passage. Peter almost sounding in pain at times. The third verse sounds very improvised and playful, showing that Peter is really enjoying himself and feeling relaxed in his surroundings. Jamming as if he was in his yard and not in a radio station.

In an interview with Jacky Knafo conducted whilst Peter was in Paris he talks of how society doesn't like the truth and how during one interview a journalist was offended when he said that he taught Bob music. Peter's explanation for this was that "maybe I was too black to teach a white man son music. The shitstem underestimates my ability and integrity. I realised I am too black for the business, cause my business is truth and rights. Music is my business". He discusses how he not only taught Bob music but also Bunny and Alton Ellis too, yet the shitstem wants to make it look like I was Bob's student, but I am the dean of my university.

Perhaps the discs real highlight is the unreleased track Handsome Johnny that was recorded for Dermott Hussey's radio show in Jamaica, late 1976. Peter sings of the Angloan war, describing how the peaceful rastaman refuses to surrender in the fact of attack, marching to the Angolan war with an M16 clenched tightly in his fist. The song adapts Richie Haven's Woodstock classic to great effect, although very spontaneous and recorded during an ad break (thankfully the tape was kept rolling) it does sound very polished and something that Peter had spent time working on, one wonders whether a studio recording of this gem exists in the vaults.

Peter defines the word bumboclaat for Peter Simon in the next interview clip. He tells Peter that this is one of Jamaica's passwords that releave's the spell of evils. "In the beginning was the word and the word was with Jah, and the word was Jah, the same as in this time, so shall it was in the beginning shall it be in this time". "Bumbaclaat, rasclaat, bloodclaat and every claat is bad word and indecent language". He re-tells the story (this was also documented in the fabulous Stepping Razor: Red X documentary) of how he was once held down by vampires and how he couldn't move his mouth, his tongue couldn't shake, nor move his hands, the only thing that could make him move was to shout out "move your bumbaclaat" and he was free from the evil spirits. From that day on Peter never stopped saying bumbaclaat, even going to such lengths as using it for a song title.

A glorious instrumental begins with Peter just noodling away before playing the most wonderful soft melody. A very spontaneous jam, with Peter showing his scratch guitar prowess on the short riff.

Saul Smaizys asks Peter, what part does marijuana play in his life, to which Peter retorts that he does not smoke marijuana, he smokes herb and that marijuana is a girl from Cuba! Showing Peter's witty and humorous side. He tells Saul that herb and music is the healing of the nation, herb is the key to inspiration, the doors of inspiration, without herb any other thing cause distortion and confusion, before Peter explains that ganja is an abusive name, before once again showing his humorous side by (once more) claiming that ganja is a bird in Australia and that he doesn't smoke ganja.

Peter was not a prolific song writer (this showed as Peter re-cut a number of tracks over the years), nor did he spend a great deal of time in the studio, however Peter was an incredibly talented song writer, this is proved by the spontaneous jam on a song called (I'm Gettin' Disgusted) Don't Wanna Get Busted which he played during the Oregon interview, livicating it to "all the intellectual herb smokers of Oregon", saluting their efforts in legalizing marijuana. "I'm getting disgusted, where every laws adjusted". A very poignant and sincere rendition of a song that would not have felt out of place on his debut solo album Legalize It. "they can not be trusted, end up in jail and you'll never get bail, got to face a judge" Peter singing from experience before exhalting that "Man want to smoke free!"

Peter recounts his brutal beating after his fierce and ferocious livatribes delivered at the One Love Peace Concert to Stephen Davis in a 1979 interview. Tosh explains to Stephen how he was waiting for rehearsals at Halfway Tree at Aquarius Studio, standing outside with a roach in his hand, before a plain clothes Police Officer (Peter was not aware that he was a Police Officer) took it out his hand, grabbing at Peter and tearing his clothes. The Officer managed to contact one of his associates who pulled out his gun and waved it in Peter's face.

When asked if the Police Officers knew who he was, Peter explained that he was a very humble individual that does not dress in a jacket and tie, carry a briefcase or drive fancy cars, he looks just like the people and that "you don't have to know a man to know how to treat him". Between 8-10 Officers beat Peter down, punching him in a corner, beating him with batons for 90 minutes, breaking Peter's hand as he tried to soften the blows to his head by blocking them with his hand. Their intentions were to kill Peter, but Peter was wise to this shituation and so laid still and played dead till they thought they had finished the job and left.

The opening notes of Legalize It brings a round of applause from the gathering present in Oregon. This version is very close to the album version though given a slightly different feel due to the lack of backing vocals. Peter sounding as if he were onstage performing to 20,000 adoring fans and not in a small studio in front of 20 fans. Peter does incorporate the lines of "Legalize It, Mr. President, that's the best thing you could ever do" to great effect before admitting "even his lawyer smokes it", which brings a chuckle from Chris Mays. Peter starts to experiment with his vocal delivery towards the end with his voice getting noticeably deeper.

In the first of 2 interview clips taken from interviews with Roger Steffens, Peter talks about his future being in Africa as he can't taken the discrimination. "Forward ever, backward never". He talks about being sick of being abused, condemned, abused, humiliated and the plots on his life.

A fantastic version of Get Up Stand Up starts out at a slow pace with a lot of passion and purpose. "You a ghost and you don't know what life is really worth". There is some fantastic guitar work during the middle section of the song. The chorus is really gripping with Peter pleading the people of Chicago to Get Up Stand Up. The song ends with Peter repeatedly singing "Don't give up" and a long outro. An amazing version that has seen release on the Honorary Citizen boxset.

The album closes with Peter discussing another near fatal police attack whilst composing Mark Of The Beast in 1972. He explains to Roger Steffens how he had come from the country with some good clean herb and started to write Mark Of The Beast at his kitchen table, locked off into his music, creating the music and rhythm. Peter was singing "I see the mark of the beast on their ugly faces, I see them congregating in evil places, me know them a wicked", before Peter could reach the second verse he heard a shot fire and people started to run through his apartment, Peter not wanting to break his concentration and inspiration from his music stayed sat at the table with a spliff in his mouth before being confronted by a plain clothes policeman demanding Peter give him his spliff.

The Officer then took out his gun and went outside to call 6 of his friends. 2 of them came inside and dragged Peter outside. It took 2 Officers on each arm to hold Peter down before they started to punch him in the abdominal area with a loaded .38, before wailing into him with their fists till they were tired. One of the Officers took a rifle from his friend and slammed it into Peter's ribs, dislocating one of his ribs, but they were not finished, the same Officer took a piece of stick and whacked him in the forehead, requiring 7 stitches to close the wound. Just 15 minutes earlier Peter was prophetically looking into the future. He truly was the mystic man who fought down babylon and won. One can only wish that Peter was still alive today to reap the rewards, instead he was mercifully killed by a moron whom Peter had fed, clothed and helped. "Always be careful of your friends" was a true prophecy.

This is a faultless album, the music is of the highest quality and gives us a chance to hear the softer and more intimate side of Peter, whilst at the same time showcasing Peter's enormous talents as a singer/songwriter and guitarist. Never far from his reach was his acoustic guitar or keyboard, making every interview a fun experience, the fun and relaxed attitudes show throughout the disc. Chris Mays was fortunate to have interviewed Peter in Oregon and her recollections of this remarkable late summer evening are re-told in the accompanying booklet.

Along with Chris' re-collections come some of the most intimate and exciting photographs ever seen of Peter. Kate Simon's extensive photographic collection has been trawled through and more than a half a dozen photos of Peter playing his acoustic guitar have been included, all being published for the first time. Whilst the possible real highlight of the booklet is the stunning colour photo of Peter that was taken during the KZEL broadcast; Peter with a customary black beret perched atop his locks and acoustic guitar clutched in his grasp, an extension of his right arm it would seem. The photos manage to show Peter in great spirits, with a big smile beaming from ear to ear, relaxed, at ease and sharing with the world his many talents as a musician, righteous rastaman, preacher and prophet.

This is one of the years most anticipated albums and is sure to be a big hit, a great pity that Island/Universal do not have the foresight to do the same type of project with Bob, with countless hours of unreleased acoustic tracks in the vaults and an extensive re-mastered series taking place now would have been the perfect opportunity to give the world what they have been crying out for; an unplugged Bob album. Thumbs up must be given to JAD for the way they have so far handled the most recent Tosh releases.

PETER TOSH
I Am That I Am (JAD-CD 1012)
Tracks: I Am That I Am, Interview 1, Fire Fire, Interview 2, Pick Myself Up, Interview 3, Can't You See Instrumental, Stop That Train, Interview 4, Fools Die, Interview 5, Jah Guide, Interview 6, Can't You See, Interview 7, Handsome Johnny, Interview 8, Instrumental, Interview 9, Don't Wanna Get Busted, Interview 10, Legalize It, Interview 11, Get Up Stand Up, Interview 12

HONORARY CITIZEN RE- RELEASED
Peter's 3 CD Honorary Citizen boxset that was originally released in 1997 was re-released on August 28th, however this time the 3 CDs were issued in a more compact cube box shape, following along the lines of the recently re-issued Songs of Freedom set.

The CD's are themed Jamaican Singles, featuring tracks not released on any of Peter's albums, and including early Wailers collaborations, Live, featuring tracks recorded at 4 shows on the 1982 North American tour, and Hits And Classic Album Cuts, comprising a selection of Tosh's most popular tracks, as well as a tribute from Pauline Morris.

PETER'S WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL SHOW TO BE RELEASED
The third and final installment in the trilogy of JADs Tosh productions is set to be released in the winter. Peter's legendary World Music Festival concert that took place on November 27, 1982 will be the third live Tosh concert released in the last 12 months, following on from the One Love Peace Concert that was issued last year and the Live & Dangerous album featuring the Boston 1976 concert that was issued last month by Columbia/Legacy.

The show took place in the early hours of the morning at the Bob Marley Performing Arts Center in Mo' Bay, Peter delivers a number of early morning livatribes mixed in with an enthusiastic performance.


LIFE SIZE BOB HOLOGRAM SET FOR HOPE ROAD
Sis Irie reports...

Greets,
Last night, I had the wonderful opportunity to see a real life size hologram of Bob Marley just being shipped to Kingston for the Museum on Hope Road. According to Zebra Imaging (just outside of Austin in Plugerville), this beautiful piece of work was commissioned by Neville Garrick. The hologram shows Bob singing into a mic with the facial image of Haile Selassie in a sunburst in the background. It was truly a beautiful work of art. I can only imagine what it will be like to see this fine piece of art accompanied by Bob's music. It was chilling enough to see it without all the appropriate surroundings.

If you are anywhere near the Bob Marley museum in the near future, it's well worth checking out
sis irie (many thanks to Greg Hall for masterminding this opportunity for me!)


RE-ISSUES IN RECORD COLLECTOR & DVD
The currently available Bob Marley & the Wailers re-issues are reviewed in the September issue of Record Collector magazine (No. 265). The 10 CD's reviewed draw a favourable decision from Daryl Easlea, although he correctly adds that the bonus tracks will not delight "hard-line Marleyphiles".

Also included on the 2 page spread is a short article by Distant Drummer Jeremy Collingwood on the enormous influx of Marley/Wailers collections attempting to cash in on the current remasters.

Jeremy gives the thumbs up to 3 sets in particular; Trilogy, a 3 CD set from Snapper Music and two sets from Orange Street Records, Natty Rebel and Small Axe. These compilations all draw from the usual Lee Perry/Leslie Kong and JAD vaults, and so offer nothing new to the more concentrated Wailers collector.

Also reported in this months RC is a forthcoming double DVD release The Best Of The Old Grey Whistle Test. Released on September 17th, the 5 hour compilation will feature live footage from the shows many guest stars, including the Wailers performance from May 1973. It is unknown at this time how much of that Wailers recording is included, or whether there will be a standard VHS video release.


BOB IN ZURICH 1980
The following website contains some fantastic black and white photos from Bob's first date of the 1980 European Uprising tour in Zurich, Switzerland.
www.drjazz.ch/album/bobmarley. html


ROCKERS AND MARLEY TO BE AIRED At HIQI FILM SERIES

The HIQI (pronounced hickey) Film Series, which begins on September 14 in New York, and consists entirely of music films, documentaries, shorts and videos, will show the classic Jamaican reggae film Rockers as part of it's travellling film festival.

The 1978 film stars legendary drummer Leroy "Horsmouth" Wallace in the lead role, with memorable cameo appearances from Gregory Isaacs, Robbie Shakespear, Leroy Smart and the late Jacob Miller.

Festival shorts will include the Dandy Warhols' The End of the World as We Knew It (starring Stone Temple Pilots singer Scott Weiland), Monkey Vs. Robot, Secret Asian Man and Rolling Man. New Order's Crystal video and Bob Marley's I Know a Place clip will also be shown.

The event's Web site at www.hiqi.com will post information in coming weeks about stops in San Diego; Sacramento,California; Olympia; Seattle; Miami; Washington, D.C.; Detroit; and Madison, Wisconsin.

HIQI Film Series dates:

9/14-27 - New York, NY @ Pioneer Theater
9/21-10/4 - Los Angeles, CA @ Regent Showcase
9/21-10/4 - Atlanta, GA @ Cinefest
9/28-10/4 - Minneapolis, MN @ Sound Unseen
10/5 -11 - Portland, OR @ Clinton Street Theater
10/5-11 - Austin, TX @ Landmark Dobie
10/19-25 - San Francisco, CA @ Red Vic
10/26-11/1 - Chicago, IL @ Landmark Century


WAILERS NEWS CLOSES
It is with a sense of regret that we must report that the excellent Wailers News site at www.iration.com will no longer be updated. The site has kept Wailers fans clued up with the latest news reports and tour dates for the past 5 years and became an essential site to visit each month. We salute the work carried out by the webmasters over the years and wish them all the best for the future.


BUSH TELEDOCTOR RADIO
Remember, our good friend and website contributor Alvaro Gaynicotche now broadcasts a show dedicated to Bob & the Wailers every Saturday on X FM -100.3 Montevideo,Uruguay.

X FM is broadcoast on the Internet, so you can hear it from all over the world. The Uruguay time for the show is : Saturday, 7:00 PM to 9:00PM.

People can contact Alvaro at : robertovive@portalx.com.uy
And you can hear by clicking "X FM"" on this site:
www.todoradio.com/uruguay.html
¡Roberto Vive!


REMEMBERING...

September 1968: Bunny Wailer is released from prison after serving 14 months on a trumped up Ganja charge.

September 1973: The Wailers Get Up Stand Up is released as a UK single by Island Records. The B side is Slave Driver.

September 23rd 1980: Bob Marley &The Wailers perform for the last time at the Stanley Theatre in Pittsburgh, Pennysilvania, USA. Having collapsed during a jog in New York's Central Park two days earlier, Marley soldiered on with the show, but the rest of the tour was cancelled immediatley afterwards.

September 1983: Mama Africa, the title track of Peter's latest album is issued as a 7&quuot; and 10" single in the UK.

September 11th 1987: The music world is shocked by the senseless and brutal murder of Peter Tosh at the singers home. Jeff "Free I" Dixon and Wilton "Doc" Brown were also slain in the robbery/murder carried out by Dennis Lobban.


Previous Updates:
Number 8, August 2001    Number 7, July 2001
Number 6, June 2001     Number 5, May 2001
Number 4, April 2001    Number 3, March 2001
Number 2, February 2001    Number 1, January 2001


Please visit these Wailers/reggae sites:

The OFFICIAL Wailers website: www.wailers.com

www.bobmarley.freeserve.co.uk     Django! Ska, Rocksteady & Reggae

http://robertnestamarley.free.fr     The Wailers News

www.melodymakers.de


Contact:jahlight@wailers.co.uk