October 19, 2001 marks Peter's 57th birthday. The past year has been a very good year for Peter and his fans. The release of the acoustical disc of word, sound and power 'I Am That I Am' and the stage genius featured on 'Live & Dangerous' have been met with wide applause and appreciation, giving the world a chance to hear a new side of Peter.

These coupled with the news of plans to re-issue Peter's back catalogue are heart warming, the re-promoting of Peter's albums has been in dire need. Tosh's albums have been very hard to obtain for years, hopefully this new marketing campaign will make the albums easier to obtain and make the world more aware of Peter and his talents. It is a sad fact that Peter has not received the due recognition he deserves, even from those who claim to know the music.

Many young music fans will get a wonderful chance to look at Tosh and examine the worth of his contribution to world affairs through the re-issuing of his material. With time, as these albums are listened to Peter will receive his due credit.

Peter's songs ranged from biting social commentary on 'Can't Blame The Youth', '400 Years' and 'Poor Man Feel It', cries for the legalization of herb through 'Legalize It' and 'Bush Doctor', whilst 'Igziabeher' and 'Rastafari Is' offer praise for Jah. Peter also sang about personal anger and frustation on 'Guide Me From My Friends' and 'Brand New Second Hand', singing about his homeland Africa: 'Mama Africa' and 'African'.

Tosh was no stranger to self asserting, boastful songs with 'I'm The Toughest' and 'Stepping Razor' warning the world that he is dangerous, while the philosphy of life shines though on 'Come Together' and 'Fools Die', Peter also sang about cries for world liberation on 'Equal Rights' and 'No Nuclear War', these songs are as fresh and current as they were when they were first penned.

A messenger for Jah, he carried the message of equal rights, justice, love and spreading the name and works of Jah Rastafari. He was willing to fight all the vampires and duppies in the world to see that his people succeeded. Peter wanted an end to the abuses of the Jamaican government. He saw all the hypocrisy, and filth, and the corruption that there was in Jamaica and throughout the world, and he wanted to see an end to it.

Peter Tosh was proud of who he was and not hesitant in the slightest to prove himself, after all Peter was the toughest rude boy of them all.

Sonic Sounds could not have selected a better time to re-issue Tosh's recordings. Some of the themes that are dominant in Tosh's works are at play in today's national and global political debate. His works have been created out of a mould that is above parochial existence. His music never lost it's defiant spirit. It's time for the world to be re-introduced to Peter and his music, his legacy will continue to grow and grow, finally giving Peter the recognition he deserves.