Live, Bob Marley and the Wailers

Bob Marley & The Wailers – Live!

Artist: Bob Marley & The Wailers

Title: Live!

Album Type: Live Album

Original Release Date: December 5, 1975

Label: Island Records

Genre: Roots Reggae

Background & Production Recorded over two nights at the Lyceum Theatre in London (July 17–18, 1975), Live! is the album that arguably broke reggae into the global mainstream. Capturing the "Natty Dread" tour, it was the first live release after the departure of Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer, debuting the new lineup featuring the I-Threes (Rita Marley, Judy Mowatt, and Marcia Griffiths) on backing vocals. The energy in the room was so palpable that the mobile recording unit (owned by the Rolling Stones) captured what many consider the definitive performance of Marley’s career. The album was rushed to release just months later due to the overwhelming success of the tour.

Musical Composition & Style This record is the gold standard for live reggae, characterized by a slower, heavier, and more hypnotic "groove" than the studio counterparts.

• The Definitive Version: The live recording of "No Woman, No Cry" found here became the world-famous version, eclipsing the studio original. The audience's participation and the soulful organ work by Tyrone Downie created a spiritual atmosphere that remains unmatched.

• The Rhythmic Core: The "riddim" section of Carlton Barrett (drums) and Aston "Family Man" Barrett (bass) is at its absolute peak, providing a rock-solid, thunderous foundation for tracks like "The Positive Vibration" and "Them Belly Full (But We Hungry)."

• Militant Energy: The closing track, "Get Up, Stand Up," is transformed into a high-energy, extended jam that showcases the transition of The Wailers from a vocal group into a world-class rock-reggae touring machine.

Legacy & Collector Notes Live! is frequently cited as one of the greatest live albums of all time in any genre. For collectors, the original Island Records pressings are essential—look for the "ILPS 9376" catalog number. Many copies originally came with a large fold-out poster of Marley, which significantly increases the value if still present. For a Shopify store, this is a "must-stock" evergreen title; it is the first record many people buy when starting a reggae collection and continues to be a top seller decades later.

• Keywords: Bob Marley, The Wailers, Live!, Lyceum London, No Woman No Cry, Island Records, 1975 Vinyl, Roots Reggae, Family Man Barrett, I-Threes.

• Collection Ideas: Greatest Live Albums, Reggae Essentials, The Legend of Bob Marley, 70s Concert Classics.

• Related Artists: Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Steel Pulse, Black Uhuru, Jimmy Cliff.

MINT - sealed

NM - likely never played - almost perfect

VG+ - light scuffs, light scratches wont effect play

VG -  signs of wear, light scratches you can feel

GOOD -  surface noise, visible groove wear

POOR / FAIR- some damage, causing issues like skipping & distorted audio

OIS - original inner sleeve