This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 8/24/2024
Bob Marley Signed “Babylon By Bus” Album.
Rare 1978 Tuff Gong (Jamaica) pressing of Bob Marley’s legendary live album Babylon By Bus, signed on the back cover in blue ballpoint, “One Love, Bob Marley.”
In fine condition, with a few light, unobtrusive surface creases. Both inner sleeves (allowing interchangeable cover imagery) and both records are included.
The consignor notes that the records remain unplayed, and that the autograph was acquired by a customs officer at Heathrow Airport who met Marley a few times while clearing private planes in the late 1970s; Marley personally signed the album and gave it to him when leaving London for Germany.
Babylon By Bus was a sprawling live double album, recorded primarily during a three-night run of shows in June 1978 at the 10,000 capacity Pavillon de Paris in France. Additional recordings were captured in Copenhagen, London, and Amsterdam. The album showcases an extraordinary selection of Marley classics including: ‘Positive Vibration,’ ‘Jamming,’ ‘Exodus,’ ‘War / No More Trouble,’ ‘Stir It Up,’ and ‘Is This Love.’ By this point, Marley had been diagnosed with malignant cancer of the toe. Regardless, his energy on stage was palpable. Rolling Stone magazine gave high praise to the live album, stating, ‘Bob Marley helped invent reggae and now, with stunning effectiveness, he’s managed to reinvent it.’ Per AllMusic, Babylon By Bus is ‘arguably the most influential live reggae album ever.’
A beautifully signed, uninscribed example of a landmark reggae release.
Authentication: James Spence Authentication (JSA) Letter of Authenticity, a Roger Epperson (REAL) Letter of Authenticity and a Gotta Have Rock and Roll Certificate of Authenticity.
Note: This item has recently been authenticated by JSA, and the full letter of authenticity will be received by us in around 3-4 weeks after the auction's conclusion.