Roots Archives Forum

The other day I listened to the excellent 1973 Wailers concert in Leeds (Burnin' Deluxe Edition). I know that "I shot the sheriff" became a live standard for Marley once it was successfully covered by Eric Clapton. But is it possible that The Wailers never played it live when Peter and Bunny (or later Joe Higgs) were still around? I'd love to here an early 70s Wailers live version of Sheriff with Peter and Bunny.

There's a live with Stevie Wonder in JA from 75...
Bunny & peter were with Bob for that last gig of course...

the problem is: there are hardly live shows where all three of them were present, right now I can only think of two and that is "Leeds 73" and the "BBC Paris Theatre" concert, no "Sheriff" at either of them

plus of course some special shows like the 1975 reunion show Lick It Back mentioned

Sadly, Bunny already left the band by the time of the Leeds '73 show so it's only Bob & Peter. Joe Higgs wasn't brought in until the short US tour a little later. At the Wonder Dream Show of '75, they didn't play I Shot The Sheriff as The Wailers. Stevie Wonder's band did his version of it after their set where Bob came out & joined them but not Peter & Bunny.....

Yes "Sheriff" with Stevie Wonder was without the Wailers. I researched that before posting this question. I heard that live version and I didn't like it.

The Leeds Show is still great I think, even without Bunny or Joe Higgs. Having just one backing vocalist and only five guys on stage anyway is kinda cool. And hearing Bob do the sole backing vocals for "You can't blame the youth" is nice.

I wonder why they didn't play Sheriff live. Maybe a Familyman or Bunny Wailer interview could shed some light on this.