Peter Tosh, complete biography, militant reggae, international concerts, successes and discography

Profile

Peter Tosh (Winston Hubert McIntosh, known as Peter Tosh; Grange Hill, Westmoreland, Jamaica, October 19, 1944 – Kingston, Jamaica, September 11, 1987) was a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and activist, a central figure in reggae alongside Bob Marley and Bunny Wailer.

Peter Tosh was among the first reggae artists to build a documented international solo career, with particularly strong traction in Europe and North America, and he became known for explicitly political content and a direct—often confrontational—stage presence.

Origins and training (1940s – early 1960s)

Raised in rural Jamaica, Tosh moved at a young age to Kingston, settling in Trench Town.

In these years he:

• learned guitar as a self-taught musician,

• absorbed ska and American rhythm & blues,

• developed an essential approach focused on rhythm and message.

His formation took place mainly in informal settings—yards, sound systems, and collective rehearsals.

1960s: The Wailers and national success (1963–1973)

Activity with The Wailers

In 1963 Tosh co-founded The Wailers with:

• Bob Marley,

• Bunny Wailer.

Key songs (Wailers period)

• Simmer Down

• Soul Rebel

• 400 Years

• Trench Town Rock

Concerts and reception

• performances mainly in Jamaica,

• local radio exposure,

• early, limited touring in the United Kingdom in the early 1970s.

In this phase Tosh was known primarily as an instrumentalist, songwriter, and secondary vocalist, with less media visibility than Marley.

1970s (first half): leaving the Wailers and launching a solo career (1974–1976)

Peter Tosh officially left the Wailers in 1974, starting his solo career.

Albums and songs

• 1976 – Legalize It

  • Legalize It

  • Why Must I Cry

Concerts and countries

Between 1976 and 1977 he:

• performed in the United Kingdom,

• played shows in the Netherlands, France, and Germany,

• began touring the United States (theatres and clubs).

Legalize It achieved solid sales in Europe, becoming a reference point in alternative and university circuits.

1970s (second half): international consolidation (1977–1979)

Albums and songs

• 1978 – Equal Rights

  • Equal Rights

  • Get Up, Stand Up (solo version)

• 1979 – Bush Doctor

  • Bush Doctor

  • Stand Firm

Concerts and reception

In this period Tosh:

• toured regularly in Western Europe,

• performed more consistently in the United States,

• built especially strong followings in the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands.

His commercial reach remained below Bob Marley’s, but stable within international reggae markets.

1980s: studio activity and selective touring (1980–1986)

Albums and songs

• 1981 – Wanted Dread & Alive

  • Coming in Hot

• 1983 – Mama Africa

  • Mama Africa

• 1984 – Captured Live (live)

• 1987 – No Nuclear War

  • No Nuclear War

Concerts

During the 1980s Tosh:

• reduced the frequency of touring,

• performed mainly in Europe and North America,

• appeared at reggae festivals and politically oriented concerts.

His audience remained especially loyal in Europe, while in the United States interest was more concentrated in specific circuits.

Death

Peter Tosh died on September 11, 1987 in Kingston, aged 42, during an armed robbery at his home.

His violent death prompted strong reactions in Jamaica, the United Kingdom, and international music circles, increasing posthumous attention to his solo work.

Musical style (practical points)

Peter Tosh is recognized for:

• dry, direct rhythm guitar,

• essential reggae structures,

• explicitly political lyrics,

• an assertive baritone vocal profile.

His music was often designed for live performance and protest contexts.

Discography

The Wailers / Studio One period (1963–1973)

(Peter Tosh as a founding member of The Wailers; no official solo studio albums in this phase)

Key singles (with The Wailers)

Early solo / pre-Island period (1974–1975)

Studio albums

Island Records period (1977–1981)

Studio albums

Post-Island / Rolling Stones Records period (1983–1987)

Studio albums

Posthumous releases

Studio albums

Documented career indicators

• Strongest success in Western Europe and the United Kingdom.

• Continuous presence in international reggae circuits from 1976 to 1987.

• Significant influence on militant reggae and protest music.