Bob Marley Dancing With His Dreads Poster

Posted on May 15, 2008
Filed Under Concert Posters, Reggae Posters, bob marley poster |

This poster of Bob Marley live in concert, has to be one of the most energizing music concert photos ever. As his dreadlocks dance like wild snakes in the air, one can just hear the words “everthings gonna be alright” rolling off his tongue over and over, wafting over the crowd as they sway in unison to the pulse. The rhythms mesmorize and hypnotize as photographers snap photos, people light up, and the energy intesifies.

I would have loved to have been there, to see Bob Marley in his prime. Alas, I never developed a taste for Reggae until my twenties, and by then Bob was long since passed away. Succumbed to a cancer that was allowed to persist in a musical genius that was truly an instrument of peace. Not only in his music, but his actions as well. How many musical stars these days are capable of bring the leaders of waring parties to the concert stage for a peaceful reunion as Bob did for his homeland of Jamaica in 1978 with Manley and Seaga.

The poster featured here has all the earmarks of a great concert poster. The beauty of the artist caught in a simple still photography, but still able to radiate the energy and passion of the music. Many live concert posters can seem forced and dull due to the nature of the work. But, a true blending of artistry between the photographer and the musician can result in beauty that will endure. This poster is just such an example of that synergy. It exemplifies everything, that a Bob Marley poster should.

I can listen to just about any Marley song, and picture him singing it in this photo . . . Could This Be Love, No Woman No Cry, Stir It Up, I Shot the Sheriff . . . they all work. Part of me, wonders which song he really was singing at the time this brilliant photo was snapped. But part of me hopes I never find out. It’s fun listening to his music, while looking at the poster, and imagine the whole scene. It easy really it is. Only, because it’s such a great shot. The music just radiates out of it.

A really great photo, should leave no doubt what the artist is feeling at the instant the shutter snaps. This poster falls into this category. Bob shows us an artist totally in the groove of the song. Living and emoting every word and phrase as if he was living it at that very moment. It’s one of those times when the music, the band, the artist and the crowd are just “in the moment”. As any great vibe should be.