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Review: Toots & the Maytals, Trinity – ‘Reminds us why their legacy endures’
I walked into the Trinity Centre battling hay fever and walked out with something far more powerful: Reggae fever.
Toots and the Maytals have always held a special place in my heart. Their music has travelled through the generations of my family, becoming part of our shared soundtrack.
Few bands have managed to seep so deeply into pop culture — their influence stretching across reggae, soul and even punk. The Clash, for one, drew heavily from Toots’ unmistakable energy and spirit.
Since the heartbreaking loss of the legendary Toots Hibbert in 2020 the band has been guided by his daughter, Leba Hibbert, who now fronts the group, fully embracing and embodying their sound.
The music is simply too inspirational, too vital, to be laid to rest with him. These songs still need to be heard, felt and lived.
And truly, what better venue than Bristol’s Trinity Centre – a space built on unity, community and cultural connection – to host a band whose entire essence is exactly that.
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The Maytals’ message has always been about bringing people together and on this night, in this room, that spirit is alive and undeniable.
The groove is already running high as DJ Robin Catto takes control of the decks, spinning tunes for a crowd more than ready to dance and skank their way into the night.
His warm‑up set is a smooth glide through reggae classics, Dennis Brown’s soulful warmth blending effortlessly with the resonant power of Nazamba & Dubsetters.
Lena Hibbert embraces and embodies her father’s energy with her live performance
It’s clear the party has already taken root near the front of the stage. The energy is rising, bodies are loosening, and when Israelites drops the entire dancefloor unites in a shared rhythm. The room is heating up beautifully, the atmosphere thick with anticipation for what’s to come.
Finally the band step out and lock instantly into that unmistakable Maytals reggae groove, as Leba bursts onto the stage, lighting up the front row with a smile as big as her voice. Moments like this are the reason these songs still need to be sung — they’re living, breathing pieces of musical history.
The Maytals know exactly how to build a set, and with a back catalogue as rich and substantial as theirs, it feels almost effortless. They drip‑feed the hits throughout the night, keeping the crowd guessing about when it’s safe to nip to the bar. It never is.
The band has far too many hits and the whole venue is a dancefloor
Pressure Drop lands early, sending punks and reggae lovers alike into a shared frenzy of joy. The whole room begins to sway from left to right, a single organism moving to the beat.
There’s an overwhelming sense of celebration in the air — especially when Funky Kingston rolls in sparking unanimous, infectious crowd participation. This is a band at the top of their game, marking 50 years in the business with the kind of performance that reminds you exactly why their legacy endures.
There’s time for reflection and celebration as we get to hear Toots’ voice once more, Leba introducing one of the last things he ever recorded – a cover of Carole King’s classic You’ve Got a Friend.
At the end of the set Lena is joined onstage by an excited crowd member
It’s the moment we all needed. The dancefloor fills the great Trinity Hall. The drinks are lined up on the stage as Leba beams and promises: “We are taking you back to Jamaica. Come with us,” before hitting a smiling room with the only version of Country Road that will ever matter.
Everyone is letting loose, giving space for others to dance, smiles are met with smiles and the Reggae beat is a reliably steady flow state. 54-46 has to close this set. It’s a massive banger that gets every inch of a performance from the band as it does the crowd.
Whoever jumped on stage is having a great time as the tempo quickens and, as if the mood can get any higher, Chatty Chatty and Monkey Man got us skanking to end a night of pure immersive positivity and escapism.
All images: Matt Barnes
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