Legendary Reggae Group/Band the Heptones to Reunite In Toronto

Leroy Sibbles, Earl Morgan and Barry Llewellyn first came together as "The Hep Ones" in 1965 in Kingston but they soon changed their name to "The Heptones". The group that later split over 35 years has now announced a reunion for "The Heptones Reunion, Rockas Part 2" scheduled for this Saturday, January 15th at The Jamaican Canadian Centre, 995 Arrow Road, Hwy 400 and Finch, Toronto.

In the show's press release, Sibbles says, "We're really looking forward to performing for the Toronto audience in the New Year. I lived in Toronto, and am very aware of the city's love and appreciation for good music, and for the Heptones. This is the best way to start the new year!"


From the mid-'60s to the mid-'70s, the group recorded some of rock steady and roots reggae's most enduring classics, such as "I Hold The Handle," "Party Time" and "Pretty Looks Isn't All." They were among the biggest stars at the legendary Studio One label, and Sibbles played bass and arranged many of the hits by his labelmates. Due to his singing, songwriting and instrumental expertise, Sibbles has been described as one of the most influential figures in reggae history.

Following the original lineup's split, the group continued with other members, but never had the same impact. By the mid-'70s, Sibbles was living in Toronto, where he produced several albums and was Canada's biggest reggae star during the '80s.

He told Exclaim!, "We went east and west, to Montreal and Vancouver. I became a household name. After a while, people would recognize me on the street. I did my bit to establish reggae there."

Also on the bill are Ammoye, Jimmy Reid, Tony Anthony, Uncle Jonny and more. Click here for more details on The Heptones reunion show.