Arriving in Japan
As the first mainstream reggae artists ever to tour Japan, local press are eager to get a glimpse of Bob Marley & The Wailers. They are met with a press conference as soon as they get off the airplane right at the airport in Tokyo.
Tokyo, Japan
During the first show at the Shinjuku Kosei Nenkin Hall on April 5, 1979, a fan throws a tie on stage with green, gold and red stripes on it. Bob ended up wearing it through multiple shows on the tour.
Below, hear audio snippets from Bob's interview with journalist Kathy Arlyn Sokol at his hotel room in Tokyo.
Osaka, Japan
Bob and the band were invited to a private tour of the Yamaha factory, where they were gifted instruments. Here, Bob with a Yamaha SG1000 during his show on April 11, 1979.
Live at Festival Hall in Osaka on April 13, 1979. Bob's final show in Japan.
The Maori Welcome
Upon arriving in New Zealand, Bob received a ceremonial welcome from the Maori tribes people.
This type of welcome is usually reserved for Heads of State and high ranking foreign officials. Below, watch the official welcoming ceremony from the Maori.
Bob Marley & the Wailers live at the Western Springs Stadium, Auckland New Zealand (1979-04-16)Bob Marley: Legend
Auckland, New Zealand
Bob Marley & The Wailers performed live at Western Springs Stadium on April 16, 1979.
Bob Marley live at the Western Springs Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand (1979-04-16)Bob Marley: Legend
Bob Marley live at the Winter Springs Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand (1979-04-16)Bob Marley: Legend
Below, Bob delivered one of his most iconic interviews with journalist Dylan Taite for the documentary "Come a Long Way."
Kaya Goes Platinum
Just one year after its release, Bob arrived in Brisbane on April 17, 1979 to find that the Kaya has gone platinum across Australia. Watch his interview with TV program "Countdown" below.
Maui, Hawaii
Bob and the band ended the Babylon By Bus Tour with two concerts in Hawaii. The first show was in Maui at the Lahaina Civic Center on May 5, 1979.
Honolulu, Hawaii
The second and final show of the tour was at the Waikiki Shell on May 6, 1979.
Bob Marley live in Hawaii (1979-05-06)Bob Marley: Legend
Bob Marley & the Wailers at the Waikiki shell, Hawaii (1979-05-06)Bob Marley: Legend
Bob Marley live at the Waikiki Shell, Honolulu, Hawaii (1979-05-06)Bob Marley: Legend