Toots And The Maytals Live Review

Tying in nicely with celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Jamaica's Independence, the reggae heavy line-up and a lack of air-con at the 100 Club lent the latest night of Converse's Represent residency a suitably tropical feel.
Following sets from the Janice Graham Band, The (appropriately named) Heatwave and Natty, Toots Hibbert and his Maytals started as they meant to go with a broiling take on Pressure Drop.

A flurry of ska classics followed, including Sweet And Dandy, Reggae Got Soul and Monkey Man, as the 66 year old Toots belted out the hits with the energy of a man a third his age, which is even more impressive as only six months ago he was in hospital having throat surgery.

Toots' years of experience have made him the perfect showman, interacting with the adoring crowd and playing a perfectly paced, feel-good set which climaxed with a fantastic take on 54-46 (That's My Number).

Gavin Cullen