Top Of The Box

Bob Marley & The Wailers - Stir It Up, The Old Grey Whistel Test, 1973

In 1973, The Wailers came to the UK to promote their debut album on the Island record label, Catch A Fire. The band were at the forefront of the Jamaican reggae scene born in the 1960’s. The Wailers made their first live UK tv appearance on The Old Grey Whistle Test, more renowned for introducing prog rock and heavy, less commercial rock music.

Therefore it must have been a great shock to many viewers to watch The Wailers - Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer and brothers Carlton and Aston “Family Man” Barrett on drums and bass respectively for the first time.

The Wailers, as they were called back the, were a very tight, colourful combo and this version of Stir It Up remains my favourite. The live performance starts with Peter Tosh’s chugging guitar and also includes his perfect backing vocals to Bob Marley’s lead.