Live

Ziggy Marley: O2 Academy Brixton, London 26/6/22

"I'm here on behalf of my father" proclaims Ziggy Marley to an exuberant crowd. It's been 50 years since Bob Marley delivered live performances in London that are still talked about with reverence to this day.

His untimely death in 1981 robbed the world of one of the finest musicians to grace any genre, remembered as the man who took reggae into the stratosphere. Generations have grown up with his music and now feels like the perfect time to celebrate his incredible legacy.

Musical talent runs deep through the Marley genes, and it's notable that several of Bob's children and grandchildren have gone on to enjoy successful careers. Oldest son Ziggy, who started sitting in on his dad's recording sessions as a child, can boast eight Grammys and more than 20 albums in his own right.

When it was announced that Ziggy would be appearing in South London performing his father's hits, it was little surprise that tickets were swiftly snapped up, with long queues snaking around Brixton Academy long before the venue opened.

One thing that will not have gone unnoticed as Ziggy took to the stage was that many in the crowd would not have been born when his father passed on - a fact that bears testament to the incredible work he left behind.

The oldest son steps into the icon's shoes with ease, opening with a rousing version of "Pimper's Paradise". Ziggy is a charismatic stage presence and his voice is uncannily similar to his father's. "Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)" follows as the band explores Bob's catalogue, much to the delight of a packed Brixton Academy.

With his knee-length dreads and energetic performance style, Ziggy channels the frenetic pace of his father's live shows, taking the crowd on a musical journey that some in attendance may have enjoyed nearly half a century earlier with the patriarch himself.

"Burnin' and Looting" and "No More Trouble" are up there with my favourite Bob Marley tracks, and they were delivered with a rawness that showed just how powerful the source material is. "Get Up Stand Up" had fans singing, and Ziggy was clearly moved by the affection his dad's music is still held. "Coming In From the Cold" and "Africa Unite" have lost their power since their release, while "Could You Be Loved" and "One Love" were moments of pure joy.

"Redemption Song" and a jubilant "Roots Rock Reggae" made up the encore, before the show closed with an epic version of "Top Rankin'". Bob Marley may have been tragically taken aged just 36, but the music he created will live on forever, and Ziggy is the perfect frontman to keep that flame alive.

PHOTOS: DAVE BURKE
Words Dave Burke