Classic Bob Marley Concert Comes to Miami

“Marley was a pioneer not only because he single-handedly brought reggae to the world,
but because his passionate, socially observant music has become a yardstick
against which all reggae will forever be measured.”

                                –The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll (Simon and Schuster, 2001)

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Bob Marley’s historic Rainbow Room performance with a hit-filled, digitally re-mastered public television special airing on WPBT/Channel 2 in Miami on Sunday, December 9 at 10:30 p.m. BOB MARLEY AND THE WAILERS LIVE! was recorded on June 2, 1977, soon after the release of his explosive hit album Exodus, and features the legendary reggae performer and his sensational band at the height of their powers. The program, features some of the group’s most enduring hits, including “I Shot the Sheriff,” “Lively Up Yourself,” “No Woman No Cry” and “Jammin.”

Bob Marley’s icon status is readily apparent in this charismatic performance. Singing alongside his talented backing vocalists – wife Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, and Marcia Griffiths – and fusing his rhythmic guitar talents with fellow Wailer musicians Junior Marvin (lead guitar), Tyrone Downie (keyboards), Aston Barrett (bass), Carlton Barrett (drums) and Alvin "Seeco" Patterson (percussion), Marley builds the intensity of the concert with each song.

He opens the set with a passionate “Trenchtown Rock” and grows evermore possessed as he belts out the powerful, politically infused lyrics of his captivating songs. The band provides the inimitable, soulful rhythms, peppering each tune with the one-of-a-kind Jamaican sound that is heavy on the bass and percussion.

The program peaks with a rousing rendition of “Exodus” that brings the audience to their feet. As Marley sings the empowering line “Movement of Jah people” with eyes closed and his signature dreadlocks swaying with each bob of his head, he seems like a prophet delivering a message of rebellion, love and spiritual enlightenment to his followers.

Marley – singer, songwriter, musician and activist – brought the Jamaican sound as well as the social mission of reggae to the world. His Exodus album, named by Time magazine as the best music album of the 20th century, remained on the U.K. charts for 56 straight weeks when first released, and its three singles – “Exodus,” “Waiting in Vain” and “Jammin” – were all top sellers.

BOB MARLEY AND THE WAILERS LIVE! is a hit-filled concert special that captures a superstar performer at the height of his career. For young and old fans alike, the special offers an intimate glimpse into the spectacular musicianship of a man who died far too young.