Today marks the 35 year anniversary of the slaying of one of Reggae music’s biggest Icons. Peter Tosh blessed the world with so much, including his work with Bob Marley and iconic records like Legalize It and Mystic Man to name a few.
On September 11th, 1987: Peter Tosh one of the most legendary icons of Reggae Music was gunned down at the age of 42 at his home in Kingston, Jamaica. Many rumors and theories have swirled around for decades. But the below account of this tragedy seems to be the truest account of the tragic events. 
On 11 September 1987, just after Tosh had returned to his home in Jamaica, a three-man gang came to his house on motorcycles demanding money. Tosh replied that he did not have any with him but the gang did not believe him. They stayed at his residence for several hours and tortured Tosh in an attempt to extort money from him. Over the hours, as various associates of Tosh arrived to visit him, they were also taken hostage by the gunmen.
The gunmen became more and more frustrated, especially the chief thug, Dennis “Leppo” Lobban, a man whom Tosh had previously befriended and tried to help find work after a long jail sentence. Tosh said he did not have any money in the house, after which Lobban and the fellow gunmen began opening fire in a reckless manner. Tosh was shot twice in the head and killed. Herbalist Wilton “Doc” Brown and disc jockey Jeff ‘Free I’ Dixon also died as a result of wounds sustained during the robbery. Several others in the house were wounded, including Tosh’s common law wife Andrea Marlene Brown, Free I’s wife Yvonne (“Joy”); Tosh’s drummer Carlton “Santa” Davis, and musician Michael Robinson.
The tragic ending to his life as shocking as it was will never be overpowered by the legacy he left behind. A true icon whose music will live on forever.
Listen to Legalize It HERE
Article by Kailee Maguire
