Loading...
Mark Schleyer's Collection

Bob Marley & The Wailers   04/17/1980

Rufaro Stadium, Salsibury, Zimbabwe
Media CDR   1 disc
Notes Zimbabwe Independence Concert - Rufaro Stadium - Salisbury, Zimbabwe -Riot breaks out on the 17th, and the concert was continued on the 18th -The second and final show that Bob ever played in Africa In April 1980, Bob Marley and the Wailers were afforded the highest honor of their musical careers. On April 18th, the country Rhodesia was to celebrate its independence from England and Bob Marley and The Wailers were invited to perform at the ceremony. From that day forward the African nation was to be called Zimbabwe. Bob and the Wailers started their set. As soon as the first notes rang out, pandemonium broke loose in the enormous crowd gathered by the entrance to the sports stadium: the gates shook and began to break apart as the crush increased, the citizens of Harare both excited and angry at being excluded from seeing these inspirational musicians. Order was only restored when ZANLA guerrillas marched through the stadium with raised clenched fists. Bob and the group returned to the stage shouting 'Freedom!' and a crisp English voice from the other end of the stadium announced: 'Bob Marley, you have exactly two minutes left.' Bob responded with "War." The audience jumped and chanted, shouting 'War! It was decided that the group would play another concert the following day 4/19, to give the ordinary people of Zimbabwe an opportunity to see Bob Marley. Over 100,000 people - an audience that was almost entirely black - watched this show by Bob and The Wailers. The group performed for 90 minutes, the musicians fired up to a point of near ecstasy.
Trades Allowed Yes
Ratings Sound: A
Lists Music List
Owned by Mark Schleyer · Last Updated May 23, 2023