By Janet Silvera,
Freelance Writer
Tosh
WESTERN BUREAU:
IF PETER Tosh were alive to hear the voice of the Cool Ruler, Gregory Isaacs; Edi Princess Black Fitzroy, Family Man, Everton Blender and rising sensation Dennis 'Mackie Conscious' McKay pay tribute to him he would have been a proud man.
Unfortunately, about a third of the people who turned out earlier this year for the Bob Marley Birthday Bash, made their way to MXIII, in Negril, to honour the memory of former Wailer member, Peter Tosh over the weekend.
And those who did not make it, missed out on one of the greatest events to take place in the west end of the island to-date, which began at 10:30 p.m. and ran until 5:00 a.m. on Saturday.
Not one bad act took to the stage, so the musical journey on which the small audience was taken was spectacular.
Outstanding
Gregory Issacs' performance was outstanding. Dressed in his trademark felt hat and suit, the prolific song writer/singer ruled supreme. He selected his best works from his more than 100 albums and the crowd rocked to every word. Before long the audience took over the show, singing every word.
Twenty minutes with such an hungry audience was not enough and when he tried to exit the stage, the crowd screamed for more.
The inimitable Half Pint brought greetings after a long hiatus from the Jamaican stage. He seemed like a volcano ready to erupt when he delivered such songs as Mr. Landlord, Winsome and Leggo The Vibes. Unfortunately, he overstayed his welcome when he called on his sidekicks to join him on stage.
The good vibes started earlier with a sterling performance given by Edi Fitzroy, fresh from Gambia. When he coined General Penitentiary the Sane band had to 'haul and pull up' the rhythm again. And when he sang Princess Black the women went wild and the men flashed their lighters in appreciation of the 'princesses' in the audience.
Fitzroy was joined on stage by his sound-a-like Shippy Fitzroy and together they did Easy Ride.
Everton Blender developed a great raport with the audience when he spoke of the respect for humanity that has faded.
At 2:20 a.m. the Tosh tribe, Tobi Ann, Michelle, Dave, Steve and Sheba were presented to the audience.
Sweet memories
Earlier, the likes of Aaron Silk, with a new look, brought sweet memories of his brother Garnett with him and the crowd welcomed him with open arms. Montego Bay's newest star on the scene, Mackie Conscious, held his own, scoring himself a double encore.
During the intermission the RedX Video, a documentary on the life of Peter Tosh, was shown on a big screen television, The presentation was punctuated with expletives, but gave an insight into the life of Peter Tosh, the rebel.
Tony Rebel was spectacular. He took the audience to esctasy with his delivery of High Grade, as the smell of ganja filled the air.
Sugar Minott was as sweet as honey. He brought the icing on the cake. With the sun peeking out from behind grey skies, Minott showed an invincibility only an artiste with his experience could muster.
