Never Grow Old: At 73, reggae legend Toots Hibbert still delivers

Toots and the Maytals
Corona Theatre
August 17, 2016

Three years ago, it seemed unlikely that “Toots” Hibbert would ever take the stage again. After being hit in the head by an empty vodka bottle at a festival in Richmond, doctor’s orders forced the ska / regggae legend to cancel all of his upcoming tour dates, which put Toots and the Maytals on an indefinite hiatus for the first time in the group’s six decade career.

Currently out on his first tour since the incident, Toots looked like he hadn’t lost a step since his last stop in Montreal at the Spectrum back in 2007, an incredible show that still ranks as one of the greatest performances I have ever seen. While this show, before an incredibly diverse crowd at a sold-out Corona Theatre never quite reached those heights, it was nevertheless a great return to form by one of reggae’s true masters.

Opening with the joyous “Pressure Drop,” Toots set the mood for the night right off the bat, as the packed floor of skinheads, hippies, baby boomers and children all sang along and danced to the Harder They Come fave. Backed by a band consisting of both new and seasoned performers, along with a trio of background singers (including his daughter Leba, who opened the show), this iteration of The Maytals thankfully stayed true to the original versions of the classics, without need for much embellishment. Tracks like “Monkey Man” sounded as if they were booming straight out of a vintage Jamaican sound system, with Toots’ dance routine inspiring even the most jaded fans to cut loose.

Over the years, Toots has developed a reputation as reggae’s James Brown, and he more than lived up to that moniker throughout the show, putting in more cardio during his 90-minute set than your average CrossFit session. At 73, his stamina is astounding, especially given how close he came to never performing again. Never Grow Old, indeed.

Below you can check out photos from the set, including opener Leba, courtesy of Jason Hughes, along with some fan-shot video. For more info and all upcoming tour dates, visit facebook.com/tootsandthemaytals.

Toots and the Maytals

Leba