Growing up I was a huge fan of Peter Tosh. If you don't know his music, then do yourself a favor and start listening. The EQUAL RIGHTS album is probably my favorite, so if you're looking for some righteousness in your day, give this a listen.
My most vivid memories growing up in Illinois usually had Peter Tosh involved in them. Other than listening to his music, I also owned one of his shirts from his popular album, 'Wanted Dread and Alive." When I got my driver's license at 16 years old, I was wearing that shirt. Boarding my first international flight, that same shirt followed. Keep in mind, I'm not a fan of many people, and hardly ever purchase t-shirts, but without question made an exception with acquiring a Peter Tosh one.
As a matter of fact, my brothers and I used to write letters to companies requesting free clothes. Most of my wardrobe in High School consisted of t-shirts from various companies like ComEd, Jack in the Box, Chiquita, 7-11, Xerox, and others. I'd write these companies asking for any promotional apparel, saying it was my brothers birthday and that he's a huge fan of their product(s). How someone at Xerox believed a teenager was a fan of theirs I have no idea, but it worked. From the hundreds of companies we wrote to, few responded by shipping us shirts, pens, and hand written letters thanking us for the loyal support. Because of this, I had no need to purchase any more tees, I had plenty. Nevertheless, after seeing Peter Tosh shirt for sale online, I jumped at the opportunity and ordered it. Below are a couple pics at 16 and 17 years wearing it.
Left to Right: 16 yrs old drivers license, 17 yrs old 1st international flight
We've established that I'm a Peter Tosh fan. So, this October, my girlfriend and I bumped into a friend as we were walking out of a bar. Instead of wrapping up the night like we discussed, we followed him and his friend to another bar. There we proceeded to chat over some drinks. Come to find out, the friend of our friend is a manager at the Peter Tosh's Estate! When I heard this, I naturally got very excited. After more drinks and conversation, I received an invite to visit Jamaica and celebrate the life and music of Peter Tosh for his 69th birthday. How can I say no?
I had just finished editing the Trans-Siberian Railway series and was in need of a mini adventure. There was no excuse not do this, so I called up my trusty director friend, Tony Corella, and we boarded an eastbound flight to JamRock for the weekend. Thus concludes this blog post and begins your viewing of part 1 and 2 of our trip (attached below).
Enjoy!
