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.
Last on
Clip
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The story of Bob Marley's time in Britain
Duration: 00:38
Music Played
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The Wailers
Concrete Jungle
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The Wailers
Rasta Man Chant
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Bob Marley & The Wailers
Exodus
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Bob Marley & The Wailers
Jamming
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Bob Marley
Waiting In Vain
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The Clash
Police and Thieves
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Bob Marley & The Wailers
Redemption Song
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Bob Marley & The Wailers
One Love / People Get Ready
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Executive Producer | Mark Robinson |
Producer | Karen Gabay |
Director | Stuart Ramsay |
Production Company | Wise Owl Films |
Broadcasts
- Sat 29 Aug 2020 21:45
- Mon 31 Aug 2020 00:00
- Fri 27 Aug 2021 21:30
- Sat 28 Aug 2021 02:30
- Sat 13 Aug 2022 22:00
- Fri 7 Apr 2023 21:00
- Sat 8 Apr 2023 02:30
- Fri 16 Feb 2024 21:00
- Sat 17 Feb 2024 02:30
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