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When Bob Marley Came to Britain

Featuring rarely seen archive and interviews, this documentary examines Bob Marley’s special relationship with Britain and reveals how he inspired a generation of black British youth.

In the 1970s, Bob Marley rose from humble beginnings to become a global superstar. It was a journey that took place not just in his homeland of Jamaica but also in Britain - the place he came to regard as his second home.

Featuring rarely seen archive and interviews with people who met him, this documentary examines Marley’s special relationship with Britain and reveals how his presence influenced British politics, culture and identity during a time of massive social and civil unrest in the UK - and how his universal message of one love and unity helped inspire a generation of black British youth.

This documentary also takes a revealing look at how Marley spent his time while he was in Britain – from the houses he lived in to football kickabouts in Battersea Park (Marley is revealed to have been a Tottenham Hotspur fan) and visits to the UK’s growing Rastafarian community, including secret gigs in the north of England.

It was in Britain that Marley established himself as an international artist, recorded some of his most successful albums and performed some of his most memorable concerts.

The film features interviews with people who met and worked with Bob Marley in the UK - and whose lives were changed by meeting him – including photographer Dennis Morris (who accompanied Marley on tour), Aswad star Brinsley Forde, Locksley Gishie from The Cimarons and film-maker Don Letts. Also interviewed is reggae legend Marcia Griffiths of Bob Marley’s vocal group The I-Threes.

There are also memories of the most important gigs he played in Britain as told by those who were there to see it happen, including early Wailers gigs in small pubs and clubs when the band were still largely unknown, a now legendary acoustic performance in the school gym of a Peckham high school and a triumphant show at London’s Lyceum Theatre that helped propel Marley to global fame.

Available now

58 minutes

Last on

Sat 17 Feb 2024 02:30
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Clip

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:21

    The Wailers

    Concrete Jungle

  • 00:24

    The Wailers

    Rasta Man Chant

  • 00:43

    Bob Marley & The Wailers

    Exodus

  • 00:44

    Bob Marley & The Wailers

    Jamming

  • 00:46

    Bob Marley

    Waiting In Vain

  • 00:49

    The Clash

    Police and Thieves

  • 00:54

    Bob Marley & The Wailers

    Redemption Song

  • 00:56

    Bob Marley & The Wailers

    One Love / People Get Ready

Credits

Executive Producer Mark Robinson
Producer Karen Gabay
Director Stuart Ramsay
Production Company Wise Owl Films

Broadcasts

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