Reggae icon Ziggy Marley has dubbed his upcoming tour with legendary roots artist Burning Spear as “historic.”
“One week ago, Ziggy posted on Instagram: ‘A historic reggae experience! @ziggymarley & @officialburningspear hit the road together. More revelations of @officialburningspear and I reasoning. I love listening to the masters talk.’” He also shared a video clip of Burning Spear, whose real name is Winston Rodney, discussing the essence of their music.
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“This is what we do. We are singers, artistes, and players of instruments. We are music,” Burning Spear said. Reflecting on his connection to the audience, he added: “The people expect to see us. As long as that availability is there, we need to show ourselves to the people … for it is they who make us, who shape who we are today by supporting us. We are one people, and this music is for the people, and the people are for the music.”
The 25-date “Do The Reggae Tour” kicks off on September 16 in Baltimore, MD, at Pier Six Pavilion. It will traverse North Carolina, New York, Boston, Chicago, Colorado, Oregon, and other states, concluding on October 19 in Irvine, CA, at Great Park Live.
According to a press release, “This vibrant and soulful tour will celebrate the rich legacy of reggae music while bringing its powerful messages of love, unity, and resistance to audiences across North America. Fans can expect unforgettable performances, timeless classics, and the electrifying energy that only live reggae can deliver. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the scene, the Do The Reggae Tour 2025 promises a powerful, uplifting, and truly unforgettable experience.”
Burning Spear, renowned for his Rastafarian messages and advocacy for Black unity, drew inspiration from National Hero Marcus Garvey, with his tribute song earning a place among reggae’s greatest anthems. Bob Marley advised him to audition for Studio One producer Coxsone Dodd, resulting in his 1969 single Door Peep. Since then, Burning Spear has released numerous influential albums, including Grammy-winning Calling Rastafari and Jah Is Real, earning a total of 12 Grammy nominations.
Though he announced his retirement in May 2016, Burning Spear returned for two major performances in 2022: Rototom Sunsplash in August and the Welcome to Jamrock Reggae Cruise in December.
Fans can look forward to a historic and soulful celebration of reggae music, as Ziggy Marley and Burning Spear bring the genre’s enduring message to audiences across North America.
