Positive Vibration are privileged to announce that we will be bringing living legend, Don Letts back to the festival to celebrate and discuss his recently published book, There and Black Again: The Autobiography of Don Letts.
This will serve as the exclusive Liverpool stop on Don’s much anticipated book tour and will include a very special reading from the Rebel Dread himself. Audience members will also have an opportunity to ask the great man questions on his life and career during a Q&A session hosted by award-winning music journalist and friend of the festival, John Robb.
After the Q&A, there will be an opportunity to purchase the book and get it signed by the man himself, before enjoying one of his legendary DJ sets.
We’re truly honoured to be hosting this event and look forward to celebrating Don’s new book, listening to his wonderful stories and learning more about his incredible life and influence as an artist.
Don Letts has always defied lazy categorisation – a musician, filmmaker, social activist, and broadcaster – his life has spanned so many eras and his work has contributed so much to our understanding of the world. A British-born son of Windrush parents, he seamlessly pivoted between London's punk and reggae scenes earning his reputation as the 'Rebel Dread' and inspiring multiple generations of artists and fans.
In There and Black Again, Don looks back at his incredible journey and how that intersected with some of the 20th Century’s most prominent figures – including tales about meeting Bob Marley by sneaking into his hotel room, touring with The Clash whilst managing The Slits and winning a Grammy for his Westway to the World documentary.
The autobiography is a colourful and beautifully written collection of memories and reflections on a rich and varied life. Told in part as scenes from a movie shot on location in London, Kingston, New York, Los Angeles, Windhoek, Salt Lake City and Goldeneye, the book co-stars a cast of hundreds, including Joe Strummer, John Lydon, Bob Marley, Chrissie Hynde, Chris Blackwell, Paul McCartney, Nelson Mandela, Keith Richards, Patti Smith, Chuck D., Malcolm McLaren and Vivienne Westwood.
There is also plenty of contemporary commentary as Don addresses the Black Lives Matter movement and other current social issues as well as thoughts on his own experiences during times of civil unrest and political struggle.
The book is also filled with humour and the wit that personifies Don’s unique take on the world. Above all else, There and Black Again is the often-unexpected story of a man who has never been afraid to tread his own path.
We know you will be as excited as we are to welcome Don Letts to Positive Vibration Festival of Reggae and we’re just as excited as you to participate in this rare and wonderful event.
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