Notes: |
This is the genuine soundboard source of the show from Zimbabwe's Independence Day on April 18, 1980, in the Rufaro Stadium of Harare (then-called Salisbury), also called the 'riots show'. There is a lot of confusion with the second concert performed one day later on April 19, 1980, at the same venue, which has been filmed on video; parts of that video appear on the 'Caribbean Nights' docu, and in the music video of 'Slogans'. There are many mislabeled bootlegs circulating stating to be from the Independence Day celebrations which actually are all from the second concert. The second concert features the setlist: 'Natural Mystic', 'Positive Vibration', 'Roots, Rock, Reggae', 'Lively Up Yourself', 'Zimbabwe', 'Running Away', 'Crazy Baldhead', 'Get Up, Stand Up' and 'Exodus'.
The story of the first concert is the following:
After the official Zimbabwean flag had been raised, the performance of Bob Marley & The Wailers was announced. The audience consisted of assembled dignitaries and media, including the international luminaries like Zimbabwe's first Prime Minister Robert Mugabe, Britain's Prince Charles and India's Indira Gandhi.
The performance begun with 'Positive Vibration' and went on well with 'Them Belly Full' and 'Roots, Rock, Reggae'. The Zimbabwean crowd outside the stadium hearing Marley singing got angry and pressed against the stadium's gates. During 'I Shot The Sheriff', the police answered by firing tear gas. Marley and the band were escorted to safety. That's the point where the soundboard cuts.
After some minutes Marley came back onstage and shouted 'Freedom!', while a crisp English voice from the other end of the stadium announced: 'Bob Marley, you have exactly two minutes left.' The band played 'War' which faded into 'No More Trouble'. Now running a quarter of an hour over their allotted two minutes, The Wailers performed 'Zimbabwe', with the entire audience joining in the chorus line. Then the concert was definitely cancelled.
Therefore, this soundboard source is incomplete; it misses 'War/No More Trouble' and 'Zimbabwe'. But it is still a historical recording. The day after, on April 19, 1980, The Wailers performed the mentioned famous free show.
I'd like to say to you all: Don't confuse this show anymore with the free concert on April 19, 1980! Mark it in your brain for your whole lifetime:
- April 18, 1980: Zimbabwe Independence Day celebrations show; 'Positive Vibration' to 'I Shot The Sheriff' (cut).
- April 19, 1980: Free show held one day later; 'Natural Mystic' to 'Exodus'. |