On 4 October 1975, music legends Bob Marley and Stevie Wonder shared the stage in a historic concert at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica. Aptly named the Wonder Dream Concert, this event was a benefit show for the Jamaican Institute for the Blind and marked one of the most significant moments in reggae history.
A Reunion of Legends
The concert is often referred to as “The Wailers Reunion Show” because it featured the original members of The Wailers—Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, and Bunny Wailer—performing together for the first time since 1973. It was also the last time they would ever share the stage as a trio. This rare reunion was a special treat for fans and contributed to the show’s legendary status.
Although Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes were scheduled to perform, they did not appear. Third World, who had recently returned from a UK tour, opened the show with hits like “Crying on the Railroad Track,” “Sun Won’t Shine,” “Satta Massagana,” and “Slavery Days.”
The Performances
The Wailers, backed by the I-Three, performed a powerful set that began with “Rastaman Chant” and included classics like “Simmer Down” and “One Love.” Each band member also took the spotlight to perform solo material. Bunny Wailer delivered stunning renditions of “Dreamland” and “Battering Down Sentence,” while Peter Tosh wowed the crowd with “Mark of the Beast,” “Can’t Blame the Youth,” and his first live performance of “Legalize It.”
Bob Marley closed The Wailers’ set with a fiery performance of fan favourites such as “So Jah Seh,” “No Woman, No Cry,” and “Jah Live.” The audience was mesmerised by the trio’s chemistry and powerful stage presence.
A Memorable Encore
The highlight of the evening came during Stevie Wonder’s encore, when he invited Bob Marley to join him on stage. Together, they performed a unique mash-up of “I Shot the Sheriff” and Wonder’s own “Superstition,” creating a moment that has gone down in music history as one of the most memorable collaborations ever.
Wonder’s setlist included classics like “Golden Lady,” “Too High,” and “You Are the Sunshine of My Life.” The show ended on a high note when Stevie presented a cheque for $23,000 to the Jamaican Society for the Blind, a gesture that underscored the evening’s philanthropic purpose.
A Lasting Legacy
The Wonder Dream Concert not only celebrated the power of music but also highlighted the importance of giving back to the community. Inspired by the event’s success, Bob Marley would go on to create the Smile Jamaica Concert in 1976, further cementing his commitment to using music as a tool for social change.
This iconic concert remains a landmark event in Jamaican music history, symbolising unity and the profound impact of music to bring people together for a greater cause. The shared stage between Stevie Wonder and Bob Marley, along with the reunion of The Wailers, continues to captivate the imagination of music lovers around the world.
