The incredible biography of one of reggae's most legendary musicians, from his rise to fame and his ultimately tragic demise

The very first biography of Peter Tosh, rude boy, founder member of The Wailers and a compelling recording artist in his own right. Tosh was an abrasive man who would eventually fall victim to his own uncompromising personality, ultra-radical politics and a fearsome gangsta reputation. One of reggae's most extraordinary stories, the life of Peter Tosh could have only one end. He was murdered in a gunfight at his own home in 1987. One year later his album No Nuclear War won the first ever Grammy award for best reggae album. Here are the women, the drugs and the story behind Legalise It, Tosh's famous early plea for the decriminalisation of marijuana. His personal musical odyssey is explored in detail as he strove to emerge from the shadow of Bob Marley, eventually signing a contract with Rolling Stones Records.Tosh's darker side is also revealed and the book includes an account of a notorious standoff with Keith Richards involving a machete and a loaded rifle!

This full-blooded story of The Wailers puts the life, music and death of the legendary Bob Marley into a razor-sharp new perspective. The Wailers played with Marley on all of the hit singles and albums that made him a legend, yet their story since his death is a little-known saga of betrayal, greed and murder that is told here in its entirety for the first time. Written in collaboration with Aston 'Family Man' Barrett and other surviving band members, the book explores Marley's colourful journey from downtown Kingston onto the world stage. It covers the assassination attempt on Marley's life, his exile in London, the kidnapping and decapitation of the Barretts' father, and the death by gunfire of both Peter Tosh and drummer Carlton Barrett. Bitter acrimony followed Marley's own death from cancer as the iconic singer's legacy was parlayed into a multi-million dollar industry.

The very first biography of Peter Tosh, rude boy, founder member of The Wailers and a compelling recording artist in his own right. Tosh was Jamaica’s most controversial reggae star. A fiery advocate of Rastafari and African nationalism as well as the legalisation of marijuana, his uncompromising political stance won him a reputation as Jamaica’s Malcolm X. Now revered second only to Bob Marley among reggae audiences worldwide, Tosh was awarded the Order of Merit, Jamaica’s third highest honour, as the nation celebrated 50 years of Independence. Based on hundreds of interviews with those who knew Peter Tosh best, including Bunny Wailer and close associates, here are the stories behind hits like ‘Legalise It’, ‘Equal Rights’, ‘Get Up Stand Up’ and ‘Johnny B. Goode’; Tosh’s infamous appearance at the 1978 One Love Peace Concert; and his now legendary adventures with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. One of reggae’s most extraordinary stories, the life of Peter Tosh came to an end when he was brutally murdered in 1987 amidst rumours involving the supernatural and Kingston’s criminal underworld. This is his story.

From the creator of the popular rock 'n' roll true crime podcast, DISGRACELAND comes an off-kilter, hysterical, at times macabre book of stories from the highly entertaining underbelly of music history. You may know Jerry Lee Lewis married his thirteen-year-old cousin but did you know he shot his bass player in the chest with a shotgun or that a couple of his wives died under extremely mysterious circumstances? Or that Sam Cooke was shot dead in a seedy motel after barging into the manager's office naked to attack her? Maybe not. Would it change your view of him if you knew that, or would your love for his music triumph? Real rock stars do truly insane thing and invite truly insane things to happen to them; murder, drug trafficking, rape, cannibalism and the occult. We allow this behavior. We are complicit because a rock star behaving badly is what's expected. It's baked into the cake. Deep down, way down, past all of our self-righteous notions of justice and right and wrong, when it comes down to it, we want our rock stars to be bad. We know the music industry is full of demons, ones that drove Elvis Presley, Phil Spector, Sid Vicious and that consumed the Norwegian Black Metal scene. We want to believe in the myths because they're so damn entertaining. DISGRACELAND is a collection of the best of these stories about some of the music world's most beloved stars and their crimes. It will mix all-new, untold stories with expanded stories from the first two seasons of the Disgraceland podcast. Using figures we already recognize, DISGRACELAND shines a light into the dark corners of their fame revealing the fine line that separates heroes and villains as well as the danger Americans seek out in their news cycles, tabloids, reality shows and soap operas. At the center of this collection of stories is the ever-fascinating music industry--a glittery stage populated by gangsters, drug dealers, pimps, groupies with violence, scandal and pure unadulterated rock 'n' roll entertainment.

This book captures the thoughts of many of Tosh's closest confidants and generals to take you inside the mind of the genius Bush Doctor. It will help you discover the man, the music and the magic of one of the most important musicians in history. - Native Wayne Jobson, Producer of the Peter Tosh film Stepping Razor/Red X Ceil Tulloch's important and timely Peter Tosh compendium reminds that Tosh was a major figure, not only in the realm of reggae, but in the realm of contemporary music more generally. - David Katz, Reggae historian, author As one-third of the Wailers, icons of reggae music, the late Winston Hubert McIntosh, better known as Peter Tosh, continues to gain many fans all over the world. By way of his hugely successful solo career, many people knew Tosh to be a hard-hitting, unapologetic and controversial artist, who spoke the truth in his lyrics and brought attention to the plight of the poor and downtrodden, both at home and abroad. However, not many people saw the private side of Peter Tosh, a man who is described by those who knew him best as humorous and compassionate. Remembering Peter Tosh is one of the first books to be dedicated solely to the life of the great reggae icon Peter Tosh. This book is filled with engaging remembrances from colleagues of Tosh and gives insight into the man Peter Tosh really was - both on and off the stage. Little known facts about Peter Tosh, such as his affinity for animals and a love for cooking are revealed in anecdotal fashion, sprinkled with images of Tosh at work and at play. Contributors include: Jayne Cortez Dr Omar Davies Lowell 'Sly' Dunbar George 'Fully' Fullwood Revd Canon Ernle P. Gordon Dermot Hussey Donald Kinsey Chuck Krall Herbie Miller Norman O. Richmond Desmond Shakespeare Robbie Shakespeare Dennis Thompson Roger Steffens Doug Wendt Dick Wingate

Explore the entire, incredible journey of Bob Marley and the Wailers, and their enduring legacy, in this unique visual history. More than four decades after Marley’s death, he and his bandmates remain the most famous reggae artists of all time--and one of the most famous bands of all time, period.Illustrated with photos and memorabilia from all phases of their journey, Bob Marley and the Wailers illuminates the lives and times of the man and his collaborators. Their evolution from early-’60s Jamaican ska act to international superstars was not just improbable, but unprecedented for an act from an underdeveloped country. As you make your way through the band’s story, you will see the crucial role they played in establishing reggae as a globally popular form of music, and the influence that the Rastafari movement had on their lives and sound; plus, how Marley’s socially conscious lyrics and actions made him a universal symbol of pride and justice. This beautifully designed volume includes: A complete history of the band, right up to Marley’s untimely death in 1981, and his continuing influence today Fantastic performance and candid off-stage photography Images of rare memorabilia Sidebars from a roster of respected music journalists Coverage of the 2024 Bob Marley biopic One Love This is the definitive illustrated biography of Bob Marley and the Wailers—a must-have for every fan of the world music legend.