In this age of instant gratification, here’s the summary: Bob Marley died in 1981 from metastasized cancer. Already in 1977 a melanoma was discovered on one of his  toes. Doctors thought it would be best to amputate the toe, Marley refused. In the end only the melanoma and the tissue around it were removed. Four years later Marley was dead. They say he refused the amputation on religious grounds, but I’ve also heard that it was actually his love for football. One can’t play football with an amputated toe and Bob Marley had three (not one) loves: music, women and football.

Some people still believe the CIA killed Bob Marley because he was a revolutionary. Was he, really? I see a music lover and a womanizer, and someone who made us all orphans by ignoring doctor’s orders.

But that’s all too easy, and way too rational, the perspective of a bystander.

Many people die because of the stupid choices they make. Humans are just not very wise when it comes to their own health and chances of (temporary) survival. Here was have a football lover. Compare it to someone who drinks his liver to shit or overdoses on heroin just for the sake of a tiny bit more adventure. I would choose football any day. I will not judge Sir Bob, I will not cast the first stone.

It was a choice out of love. I guess he regretted it on his deathbed. But I don’t see the CIA, no revolution, not even religion. Just love. One Love.

Let’s get together to fight this Holy Armageddon (One Love!)
So when the Man comes there will be no, no doom (One Song!)
Have pity on those whose chances grows thinner

There ain’t no hiding place from the Father of Creation

(Bob Marley, One Love)

Thirty-six is too young an age to die. Much too young. I was barely a teenager when it happened and because John Lennon got killed half a year earlier I hardly even registered it. I missed it. I missed the emotional impact.

I made up by dancing to ‘no woman no cry’ all through the 80’s.