The legend of Bob Marley’s world music standing has continued to develop since his early demise at simply 36 from most cancers in 1981 and if ever an artiste had earned a theatrical music jukebox present it’s absolutely him. But Get up, Stand up is far more than a celebration of his music and though staged in a live performance format they don’t draw back from his again story and the political and cultural context of his music. And then merely and successfully remind us that though there was progress and integration there may be nonetheless extra to do on equality, range, and illustration of the communities he championed. The use of photographs and headlines all through on-screen and on-stage props gives perception into his world.
There is great help from Natey Jones and Jacade Simpson as the unique Wailers band members Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer and Henry Fabre as Chris Blackwell the founding father of Island Records whose speculative advance set them on the street to world fame. Maxwell Cole performed little Bob on the evening I went with an power and appeal that delightfully stored reminding us of his dysfunctional household and the poverty of his beginnings as his world stardom grew.Of course, the wealthy sound of the reggae music is crucial to the present and the band had been wonderful together with the addition of a small brass part and a robust baseline vibration by means of the auditorium so you may actually really feel the music. The cultural background was by no means far-off within the storytelling with political and racial tensions at all times underpinning the narrative. His look on the Smile Jamacia 1976 live performance, after an assassination try, and on the Pittsburgh Concert in 1980 whereas critically in poor health emphasised his dedication to alter by means of his music and utilizing his world attraction to good impact. The highly effective “Redemption song” (1980) regarded by many as his best track and described as essentially the most influential recording in Jamaican music historical past with its lyric “none but ourselves can free our minds” stays as highly effective and transferring immediately as when it was written. An anthem and a permanent legacy that underpins his legendary standing.
This is a superb present setting out Bob Marley’s life story and reflecting the cultural background of racial stress, medicine, violence, and politics however exhibiting how he grew right into a Global Icon with a musical type that broke down obstacles and prolonged throughout cultures. Go hear his story and by the top, you’re positive to stand up, arise in his honour.Review by Nick Wayne
Rating: ★★★★
Seat: Stalls, Row Ok | Price of Ticket: £99.50