On Sunday, September 22, Forest Hills Stadium in Queens was transformed into a musical time capsule, as the Marley Brothers united for the first time in two decades to celebrate the enduring legacy of their father, Bob Marley.
The Marley Brothers Legacy Tour, which kicked off in Vancouver, brought together Damian, Stephen, Julian, Ziggy, and Ky-Mani Marley for an epic 22-date journey across North America, paying tribute to their father’s timeless work. The tour, which ends in early October in Miami, features a nostalgic setlist of nearly 30 of Bob Marley’s most cherished songs, bringing generations of fans together to rejoice in the spirit of reggae music.
A Family United by Music
The significance of this tour cannot be overstated. Though each of the Marley brothers has had successful solo careers, it has been 20 years since the five have shared a stage. Bob Marley’s influence, both on reggae and on global consciousness, is unparalleled, and the brothers’ reunion not only honors their father but also the rich musical heritage he helped to create. Performing together, their synergy is unmistakable, and their collective energy invokes memories of Marley’s original performances while breathing new life into the music.
The Show: A Journey Through Bob Marley’s Greatest Hits
The Forest Hills Stadium show, one of the highlights of the tour, featured an electric atmosphere, with the Marleys delivering a setlist packed with classics. From revolutionary anthems like “Get Up, Stand Up” and “Buffalo Soldier” to love ballads like “Is This Love,” the brothers brought Bob’s music to life, reviving both the message and the passion that defined his career.
The crowd erupted during timeless hits such as “Three Little Birds,” “Iron Lion Zion” and “Positive Vibration” singing along in unison, while more politically charged songs like “War” and “Exodus” reminded the audience of the power of music as a vehicle for social change. Damian, known for his harder-edged, dancehall-inspired sound, added a modern twist to the night with fiery performances while Ziggy’s soulful voice channeled the spirit of his father throughout. The setlist for the tour has been consistent with nearly 30 songs, a true testament to the power and breadth of Bob Marley’s work.
Honoring a Legend: The Life of Bob Marley
Bob Marley was born on February 6, 1945, in Nine Mile, Jamaica. Rising from humble beginnings, Marley became the voice of reggae and a symbol of resistance and hope for millions around the world. He started his musical career in the early 1960s with The Wailers, along with Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. The group became known for their unique fusion of ska, rocksteady, and reggae.
Marley’s music was more than entertainment; it was a message. Songs like “Get Up, Stand Up,” “One Love,” and “Redemption Song” became anthems for unity, resistance, and peace. His blend of spirituality, activism, and culture resonated far beyond the Caribbean, elevating reggae to international acclaim. Tragically, Marley passed away from cancer in 1981 at the age of 36, but his legacy has continued through his children, who have carried on his mission and music.
A Night of Unity and Celebration
The Marley Brothers Legacy Tour is more than just a reunion; it’s a celebration of Bob Marley’s profound influence and a reminder of the unifying power of music. At Forest Hills Stadium, the brothers’ performance felt like a historic moment, one that bridged the past and the present. With each song, they brought their father’s message to new ears while giving long-time fans the opportunity to experience Marley’s magic once again.
As the tour continues across the country, fans from all walks of life will have the chance to partake in this once-in-a-generation experience. Bob Marley’s legacy lives on through his music, and through his sons, who have proven that the message of love, peace, and unity is more relevant now than ever.
Whether in Vancouver, New York, or Miami, the Marley Brothers Legacy Tour is a testament to the enduring power of Bob Marley’s music—and to the familial bond that keeps that legacy alive for generations to come.
Setlist: Natural Mystic, Get Up, Stand Up, So Much Trouble in the World, Coming in From the Cold, Positive Vibration, The Heathen, Concrete Jungle, Wake Up and Live, Shalom Salaam, War/No More Trouble, Running Away/Crazy Baldhead, Three Little Birds, Is This Love, Don’t Rock My Boat, Buffalo Soldier, Jammin, Easy Skanking, Boom Draw, New Heights, Medication, Kaya, Iron Lion Zion, Exodus, Could You Be Loved, One Love
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