The crowd at the National Heroes Park exercised a lot of patience waiting for the superstar. Bob Marley, along with some of Jamaica's greats, were set to perform for fans in a free concert called 'Smile Jamaica'. Bob was reluctant to show but delivered an excellent set.

Published Tuesday, December 7, 1976

“Smile Jamaica” Concert:

Reluctant Bob was late but still … successful

Reggae singer Bob Marley and the Third World band attracted a huge audience at the National Heroes Park, Kingston, on Sunday to see their free public concert, ‘The Smile Jamaica' concert.

The audience was not exactly smiling for the two hours between 5:00 p.m., when the show was scheduled to start, and 7:00 p.m., when it began.

The long delay was apparently caused by the reluctance of Marley to appear on the show after being shot in the arm on Friday night. After Comedian Prince Edwards and the Third World band performed, there was a further delay of nearly an hour before Bob arrived.

M. C. Elaine Wint asked the audience to pray that Bob would come. The prayer was answered an hour after the request when she announced that Bob had finally decided to appear, after much persuasion, and would be there in another 35 minutes.

Bob arrived under 35 minutes. Owning to the fear of any further incidents, the stage was cleared, except for press people.

Superb

The reggae star gave a superb performance and did twelve tunes, including the hit from his million-selling album War.

Not seriously affected by the shot, Bob danced and sang for more than the 45 minutes he said he would perform. Rita Marley also performed.

Before opening his show, he said that he had always wanted to do the free show and he did not wish any politics to become involved. Prime Minister Michael Manley, who watched the show, rushed onstage shortly after Bob's arrival to shake his hand then went back to his seat.

Bob did tunes like So Jah Sey and for several minutes kept repeating the line “Puss and Dog can live together so why can't we my brother". He did Rastaman Chant obviously the favourite with the large crowd, Crazy Baldheads, Johnny was a good man, Roadblocks and Keep on Moving.

The Third World band backed Bob throughout his performance and gave a splendid performance, sounding just as good as Bob's backup band, The Wailers.

Well received

Third World's act was also well received and they did several of their regular songs, including their version of Satta Massa Gana and their new hit Rhythm of Life.

Prince Edwards was very popular and gave some side-splitting jokes.

Also on the show was Richard Ace and his son, Junior. They were backed by a pick-up band. Richard Jnr was loudly applauded by the crowd for a solo drum performance.

The Light of Saba drummers did not appear, neither did the St Anne Dancers.

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