The word ‘legend' is one that is ridiculously over used especially in reference to musicians, however one man who truly does deserve such a title is . He is perhaps equally well known for his insanity as he is his music and it is not often that we are given the chance to see him in the flesh. Perhaps this explains the complete sellout of his original Manchester show, this being one of the two extra dates added. On this occasion the Blood and Fire Sound System were on hand to get the whole thing going and were quick to pay their respects to this Godfather of modern reggae.
Perry's unique brand of madness was clearly on display as he appeared on stage dressed in a sparkling crown and preceded to invent eggae from reggae and reject the devil in favour of ladies' bum bums. Perry looked old, understandable considering he's in his late 60s, but age also seemed to be having its effect on his voice. This was soon forgotten though as he launched into renditions of classics such as Run For Cover and Hold of Death. Perry interjected his songs with preachings on a variety of topics; for example he condemned smoking informing us, "Smoking cigarettes equals dead." He was however a lot more encouraging of the smoking of ganja, not that the audience needed any encouraging, despite having reportedly given it up himself.
was joined on stage by The Mad Professor who gladly took on the duty of ‘mixing it up'. In fact the Professor was actually left alone on stage as Perry abruptly downed his mike and left the stage only returning after five minutes of desperate shouts from the crowd. When it was time to really go Perry simply sang good night over and over bade Manchester farewell and disappeared behind the stage.
The night went well but it was hard to shake the feeling that something was missing. I put it down to the venue; a stage too low to see much, not helped by the strategically placed pillars in front of it, and a sound system that either no one knew how to work or simply needed replacing. On the way home however it dawned on me; perhaps I was simply too late to see the that had earned such a phenomenal reputation. Its not often you get the chance to say a living legend, I just wish I could have been there a few years earlier to see him at his best.
By Joe Kent
