Life In England
An exploration of Bob's time in London 1971-1980, from his earliest trips with Johnny Nash to his sold out show at the Crystal Palace Bowl
Bob Marley and Johnny Nash, 1971-1972
Bob's first visit to London was with Johnny Nash in the early 1970s. Bob had co-written and provided vocals for about half the songs on Nash's most popular album, I Can See Clearly Now, including "Stir It Up," which Marley later recorded for himself on The Wailers Catch A Fire album. Here he is during a vocal session with Johnny Nash in London, 1971.
Bob Marley recording with Johnny Nash in Sweden. (1972)Bob Marley: Legend
Bob Marley in the recording studio with Johnny Nash (1972) by Alec BymeBob Marley: Legend
Bob and Johnny tour England, 1972
The following year, Johnny Nash brought Bob back to England to tour the album. They even stopped off at few schools around England. Here they are at the Peckham Manor School in South London on March of 1972.
The real tour happened that summer, where Bob Marley & The Wailers were both the openers and the backing band for Johnny Nash. It was during this time in London where Bob connected with Island Records founder Chris Blackwell, who fronted the band £8000 to record Catch A Fire.
Bob Marley live at the BBC Old Grey Whistle Test (1973) by Adrian BootBob Marley: Legend
Bob's next major appearance in London would be with the Wailers performing live on BBC's "The Old Grey Whistle Test" before heading on the Catch A Fire UK tour.
Bob Marley live in London (1974)Bob Marley: Legend
The Wailers performed live at the Sundown Theatre in Edmonton, North London during the Catch A Fire tour on May 27, 1973.
Burnin' Tour, 1973
The Wailers were back in the UK later in 1973, having put out their second album that year, Burnin'. Here, Bob at Leeds Polytechnic on November 23rd.
Natty Dread, 1975
Live at the Lyceum Theatre in London July 17-18, 1975. This two-night, sold-out run were the sets used to create the band's first live album, Live!
Rastaman Vibration, 1976
Two-night sold-out run at the Hammersmith Odeon in London June 17-18, 1976. Then Bob and the band ended up having two, then four shows in order to fulfill the demand.
Exile in London, 1977
Following an assassination attempt on his life leading up to the Smile Jamaica Concert, Bob and the band moved to London for around 14 months. Here, Bob was relaxing at their apartment on 42 Oakley Street in London's Chelsea neighborhood, which has since been given one of the city's Blue Plaque distinctions, noting the building's cultural and historical significance.
Battersea Park
Bob and the band played soccer at the nearby Battersea Park in Chelsea during the day while recording the Exodus album at night on March, 1977.
The Smoking Ticket, 1977
Bob walked out of a municipal court house having been ordered to pay a fine for smoking herb. Local police were always searching the band for cannabis whenever they went on tour. This was one of only two times they got caught on April 6, 1977.
Exodus, 1977
Bob closed out the Exodus Tour with a four-night run at the Rainbow Theatre in London June 1-4, 1977.
Bob Marley live at the Rainbow Theater (1977-06-03) by Adrian BootBob Marley: Legend
The shows were filmed and would eventually become Live at the Rainbow, which premiered in theaters around the world in the fall of 1977.
Planning a Peace Concert, 1978
Rival neighborhood strongmen Cladius "Claudie" Massop, Anthony "Tony" Welch and Earl "Tek Life" Wadley come together to London to meet with Bob. They asked him to help put together a peace concert in order to unify the Jamaican people. He agreed, and the One Love Peace Concert was born.
Kaya, 1978
Live at New Bingley Hall in Stafford, UK during the Kaya Tour on June 22, 1978.
Redemption Song, 1980
In his apartment in London, following a performance at the Zimbabwe inaugural Independence celebrations. Here, Bob played photographer Dennis Morris an early version of "Redemption Song."
Uprising, 1980
Bob greeted fans backstage during his final performance in London at the Crystal Palace Bowl on June 8, 1980. The event has been noted as a significant cultural event by the City of London.
Bob Marley & Eddie Grant at a Gym in Hammersmith, London (1980-07-16)Bob Marley: Legend
