Few musicians have left such an indelible mark on all facets of music as Robert Nesta Marley. Bob brought reggae to the world and paved the way for everyone who followed. Now, in what would be Bob Marley’s 80th year, his son Stephen Marley continues to carry that musical torch—lighting the way for a new generation.

Stephen’s Colorado run included four stops, hitting The Mission Ballroom and Red Rocks before heading up to Washington’s in Fort Collins. The show was completely sold out, though some lucky fans were able to snag extras outside the venue. As the doors opened and the initial rush faded, a double rainbow appeared over the venue—an omen of good things to come. And with the show falling on Friday the 13th, I took it as a positive sign.

Even with a packed house, the vibe was easy and there was room to move. Local reggae rockers Green Buddha kicked off the night just after 8 PM. Founded by guitarist and lead singer Seth Strickland, the lineup has evolved over the years. These days it features Matt Wright on keys and Matt Grundstad on bass—both alumni of the seminal cowfunk band Euforquestra—alongside Lem Williams on drums.

With over a decade under their belt, Green Buddha has become the go-to “NoCoast” reggae band on the Front Range. Their set was an ideal lead-in for Marley, packed with heavy hitters like the hopeful love song “1st of July” and the ska-infused “Spiral.” They threw in a reggae-flavored curveball with a cover of Radiohead’s “Creep,” before wrapping up with their anthemic original “Last Run”—a bold track about trying not to shoot a cop while crossing the border. Green Buddha has come a long way and now share the lane with acts like Rebelution, Slightly Stoopid, and Stick Figure. With broad appeal and a drummer who absolutely slaps the skins, they’re a must-see for fans of modern reggae fusion.

The crowd was a beautiful cross-section of age, race, and background—exactly what you’d expect for a night dedicated to the Marley legacy. Stephen has assembled a stellar band, but it’s his voice that takes center stage. His vocal tone is eerily reminiscent of his father’s, something he nods to in his original song “Old Soul.”

But tonight was all about the classics. The band opened with “Punky Reggae Party,” setting the tone for what would become a heartfelt, unpretentious celebration of Bob Marley’s music. They rolled into “Is This Love,” sparking a massive singalong between Stephen and the crowd. Audience participation was a theme throughout the 90-minute set, with the saxophonist stepping in and out depending on the song.

Given today’s political climate, tracks like “Iron Lion Zion” and “Buffalo Soldier” felt more potent than ever. This show took place just one day before the nationwide ‘No Kings Day’ protests, adding even more weight to Bob’s timeless message. When “Three Little Birds” came around, Stephen stood back and smiled as the audience belted out the lyrics. The set felt like a double LP version of Legend, with a few deeper cuts mixed in. Highlights included a spot-on “I Shot The Sheriff” and a downright mind-melting “Roots, Rock, Reggae.”

People danced wildly—not just because the music was good, but because authentic live reggae is increasingly rare in today’s scene. “Sun Is Shining” felt like a nod to the rainbow that preceded the night. Stephen closed the main set with the ever-uplifting “Could You Be Loved.”

The encore featured a handful of original tunes, peaking with a massive rendition of “Jah Army.” He ended the night with the powerful one-two punch of “Get Up, Stand Up” into “War / No More Trouble”—a stirring reminder of where we are and where we need to go.

More than 40 years after Bob’s passing, his music remains deeply relevant. But it’s up to his children to carry that flame and spread the word. Stephen Marley has carved his path as a talented, creative artist in his own right. And now more than ever, his role in continuing the Marley legacy feels essential. If you’re looking for something real in today’s ever-changing reggae landscape, look no further than Stephen and his band.