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October 20, 2008
Peter Tosh traditional tribute quiet in Jamaica this year
Born October 19, 1944 in the town of Belmont in Westmoreland, Jamaica, the late great Peter “Winston Hubert McIntosh” Tosh left us on September 11, 1987.
For the first time in 16 years the birth of this legend of reggae music went without the regular celebration that ordinarily takes place at Independence Park, Savanna-la-mar, Westmoreland.
Worrell King, who has been organizing the free tribute from its inception told Yardflex the cancellation came as a result of insufficient co-operation from a part of the family of Peter Tosh; who would not endorse this year’s celebration. It has always been that King would receive a verbal endorsement, but this year none was forthcoming from the Tosh family who wanted to host the birthday tribute in Belmont.
Unfortunately the police turned down the application to host the show at Belmont, since the space there would have been inadequate for the expected crowd.
King lamented, “For over 16 years we did not exploit Peter Tosh in any way shape or form, instead we always highlighted him. For the first time…this year is proof that Peter Tosh really died,”
Tosh played guitar, melodica, piano and organ on many of the Wailers' early tracks. By 1973, he decided to pursue a solo career. In 1976, he released his debut album “Legalize It.”
In 1987 he was assassinated by three gunmen at his home. For years, his memory has been kept alive with a variety of birthday celebrations both in Jamaica and around the world.
On October 12th The Cannabis Cup Band and Bushman threw a celebration for Tosh at B.B. King Blues Club in Midtown New York.
Yardflex would like to honor this true icon.
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