Eight months after suffering a stroke, Freddie McGregor made an emotional return to the stage last week. The singer performed July 16 on the Mighty Crown sound system’s Far East Reggae Cruise.

Backed by the Ruff Kutt Band, he did a 40-minute set seated, with his daughter Yeshemabeth and son Chino doing backing vocals on either side of him.

The cruise set sail from Yokohama in Japan with the show taking place in South Korea.

Describing the show as “wicked”, McGregor told the Jamaica Observer that he was overwhelmed by the audience response to his performance.

“Japan was ready for me, and I was ready for them, never seen so many people cry. Both happy for my recovery, and happy to see me,” he said.

McGregor sang many of his hit songs including Stop Loving You, Push Come to Shove, and Prophecy.

The 67 year-old artiste attributes his steady recovery to therapy which he does five days a week in Florida. He has seven shows scheduled for August in the United Kingdom.

His next gig is Reggae Sumfest in Montego Bay on Saturday.

The Far East Reggae Cruise is a farewell event for Mighty Crown which formed in Japan in 1991. They have been among the dominant sound systems in dancehall music throughout their existence, winning countless clashes and ‘world’ titles.

The cruise, held aboard the MSC Bellisima, also featured Barrington Levy and T.O.K.