Included here is rare video footage Bob Marley and the Wailers’ performance at Chicago’s Uptown Theater on November 13, 1979 during the Survival Tour.
We are also blessed to have friend of the blog “Pappa Dave” share his memories and photos from this show, which he attended some 33 years ago.
Here is an excerpt from an email that “Pappa Dave” sent us regarding his experience at the show:
“What I do remember vividly, was that Bob never and I mean never stopped moving and dancing through out the whole show. At least that’s what I remember. I got tired just watching him and the show lasted a good hour and a half to two hours. For the last few years, I’ve played the video of the show on the night of November 13th, in tribute to that special night so many years ago. This year the 13th falls on a tuesday, just as it did back in 1979. Thirty three years have passed since then, and I wish I could relive it one more time.”
Here are some short clips which reveal what other songs were played live at the show such as “Survival,” “Get Up Stand Up,” and “Kinky Reggae.”







The radio show I host by the way, is called the ‘Reggae Explosion”. It already had that name, when I became host in June 1989. You can check it on saturday nights at 10pm(cst), at www.wdcb.org.
Great find, Michael
Photos never before seen
hat off!
Thanks Marco. Pappa Dave sent them. They are his personal photos.
bobmarleymagazine.com give thanks to you and pappa dave
I would have love to be there with my siren
http://www.dubmekanix.co.uk
Hi guys. Was wandering if a full audio of “Survival” was ever recorded live because as far as I’m aware, it was only performed once and at this show. Any idea?
Thanks Michael. So no “full” version then I assume?
Yes, the full version was played, however, I have never seen any tape of it nor heard any audio.
I’ll have to check the video I have of the show to see if full versions are there or not, can’t remember off the top of my head.
Matt and Mike, I’ve checked my copy of the video and it’s the same as the one posted as the full concert. But, I some what suprised if this was the only venue where ‘Survival’ was perfomed live. As this was the ‘Survivors Tour’.
It is true Dave, “Survival” was played live only once – at the Uptown.
Okay, was not aware of that.
I was at this show, and what a “Riveting” performance !! Bob never stopped his energetic gyrating, and wildman type moves,, and just when I thought the show was over, he came back out, & played almost an hour more! I’m so glad I snagged my tickets when they went on sale !!! I have seen Jimmy Cliff, Peter Tosh, Toots & the Maytals, and by far,, Tuff Gong, Rastaman, Marleyman, is the best Reggae artist,, EVER,, and rates as one of the best concert “Events”(not just a concert) I have ever seen,, & been a part of ! I have been a live concert sound engineer for almost 40 years now,, and the Rhythm section for “The Wailers”,, made me feel “Ja’ Music”,, in my soul,, n’ bones ! The Uptown was vibrating,, to the groove, all night !
Thanks Keith for sharing this. I can vouch for this happening as you described. I thought the show was over and the group comes back and played not just one or two encores….every song they stretched out the end like it was over….and then played another and another and the effect of this kept the entire audience on their feet thinking this was the last song. As you said Keith, they played probably another good hour, so the original end (when they walked off as if they were done) was really like the mid point. Bob was so great at connecting with the energy of the audience and directing it higher and higher. So glad I was able to see him once.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3KcW6DYFoWM
this is the full show
I meant is this the full show?
it is not the full show
remember almost getting kicked out for smoking pot……