Gregory's swan song

Cool Ruler did final concert in July

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

On Sunday July 25, 2010, the organisers and patrons attending Live at Studio 38 — the live music series organised by Pulse Investments — had no idea the performance by headliner Gregory Isaacs would be his last.

Live at Studio 38 is a series dedicated to highlighting the best of Reggae's golden era. The list of headliners have included Beres Hammond, John Holt, Freddie McGregor, U-Roy, The Mighty Diamonds and Ken Boothe, therefore Isaacs seemed a perfect fit for the event to the organisers.

Pulse's Kingsley Cooper confesses that he is not entirely surprised Isaacs' passing, since he has been ailing for some time. "It was obvious to us that he was not in the best of health when we booked him for the Live at Studio 38 show in July. Nonetheless, he gave what must have been one of the best performance of his latter years, when ill-health had already taken its toll and he was no longer the old Gregory of the great years," he noted.

Cooper continued, "his death at only 59 years, marks a very sad day for his legions of fans around the world, as well as his friends, those who know him well. I am honoured to have been numbered among them and happy that we could have brought him back to the stage for one last gig."

Cooper further reflected on the man Gregory Isaacs. "He was the quintessential bad boy, but nonetheless a remarkable human being with an extremely sharp mind and impeccable wit. He was probably the most loved reggae artiste we have had, for his music, his antics and his tremendous personality. From his trademark fedora, to his suit and tie, with one side of his shirt hanging below the jacket, Gregory was an iconic figure of immense proportions," he mused.

Of note, Cooper highlighted that another Reggae great, Peter Tosh also gave his final performance at a Pulse organised event. The year was 1983 and Gregory Isaacs' Night Nurse was Jamaica's number one song. Isaacs was also billed for the final night of Pulse's Reggae Superjam, just ahead of the great Wailer, Peter Tosh. According to Cooper, "that was arguably, Tosh's best concert and it was to be his last. Their performance together, will stand as an interesting footnote of Jamaica's musical history."