by Evan Belize

Peter Tosh
The King of Rock and Reg
by Evan Belize Copyright 2009

I will say this about the man and his music: if you meet him, see him, in a concert, or are listening to his music once you would overstand him, you would have to agree with him. He is Words, Songs and Power-- any way you take it. If you started with the “Power,” you would end up with his words.If you start out with his words, you end up with his Power.

Long ago sometime in the 80’s, late one night, I was heading from San Fransisco to Santa Cruz. I was listening to Spliff Skanking, a DJ from Palo Alto, on my car radio. Spliff mentioned that Peter Tosh would be performing at the Watsonville Fairground. I said to myself, “Should I go?” I remembered seeing Peter one time in the late sixties or early seventies, in the ska rock steady days, when he was with the Wailers.

The next morning I woke up early, and I said to my kids’ mother, “Come on girl, let’s go and see Peter Tosh.You never can tell...” It’s sad for me to say this, but I knew this could be the last chance I would have to see the brother. Well, I got my money, and my camera, and I got into my car, and headed for the show.

First thing, as I got into the Fairground, I saw the great Ras Midas of Ras Midas & the Bridge. We talked for a little bit. I said to him, “This is a good day.” And I said to myself, “This will be a great show.” The setup was a rock band playing Jimmy Hendrix’ covers, and the second band playing was the late Dennis Brown. The truth is, I knew Dennis Brown personally from the early sixties or seventies. He was a frequent performer at Birds Isle, Belize, where I started my own career.

I saw Don Kingsley, Peter Tosh’s Guitar player by the fence. He got me back stage. He told me that Peter was in the bus next to the stage, six feet away from where I was standing. The door was closed. I couldn’t see Peter. But I could feel his vibes. At that time Dennis Brown was off stage . Dennis and I had a nice talk, catching up on old memories.

Then Peter Tosh was on. I hurried up front to see him. As always, his African robe was so right for him.And his Indian Mocassin shoes. He went from one song to another. Then he made a stop and said, “This one I’m going to Rock and Reg.” He was talking about “Johnny B. Goode,” by Chuck Berry. Then the next stop he made, made the crowd go wild. He pulled out a big Spliff, well rolled. He lit it up and started to smoke. At that moment, his drummer, Santa Davis, cued on to the next song: Legalize It.

I will never forget the man and his music. I believe he left all of us, his fans and friends, wanting more of him. But, you know, he always said, “I am wanted by the Evil Forces.” I believed him too. What a shame. Well, this cd that I put together came from an impression he left on me, though there can be no other Peter Tosh. I believe this is an important cd-- a long overdue tribute to Peter Tosh. Through my music, I am saying: “Thank you Rasta Tosh. Happy Birthday.”

Evan Belize..Jah Rasta Farai.