On Saturday, November 29, 2014, the Wailers band led by original bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett, will play the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, NYC 35 years after Bob Marley and the Wailers made their debut at the historic venue in 1979. Bob Marley and the Wailers played an historic run of shows from October 26-29, 1979, performing two shows each of the four nights. This was Marley’s first real attempt at targeting his music to black music fans in the U.S., many of whom were not familiar with his music as US urban radio at the time was playing mostly soul and R&B. George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic opened several shows with female vocalist Betty Wright opening the rest.
I found these photos, many of which have never been released, in a box of reggae memorabilia given to me by a collector.
It is important to note that none of these photos have ever been released to the public prior to this. I have tried to locate the photographer but have been unsuccessful. If you are a photographer and you think you may have taken these photos please do not hesitate to contact me so that due credit can be given.
Many thanks to my good friend Patrick in Germany for helping me restore the photos, many of which were not even viewable.
I have included audio of one of these historic shows curated by my good friend Dubwise Garage.
CLICK ON ANY PHOTO TO ENLARGE.
Here is a review of the show by Ken Emerson which appeared in the New York Times on October 27, 1979.
LEGENDARY REGGAE 