In the final hours before reggae icon Peter Tosh was killed on the night of September 11, 1987, he reportedly made a short but emotional phone call that some close to him now look back on with eerie clarity. While rumors of “unheard tapes” have circulated for years, what truly happened is less about secret recordings and more about a man who sensed tension in the air—and spoke to a trusted friend one last time.
A Normal Day That Turned Tragic
That Friday evening, Peter had returned to his Kingston home after running errands and meeting with associates. He was preparing to entertain some visitors when, according to reports from friends and later investigations, he made a phone call to a fellow musician—someone he had known for years.
The conversation, while not recorded, was remembered vividly by the person on the other end. He later told journalists:
“Peter sounded tired, but calm. He said he was just trying to take it easy, focus on the next phase of his work. He mentioned wanting to keep pushing for unity among the youth, even though he felt some people were turning against him.”
Nothing about the call suggested immediate danger. But Peter’s tone had a seriousness to it, as if he was aware of growing threats around him. He had been outspoken about corruption, injustice, and inequality—and those messages didn’t always sit well with everyone.
The Night Everything Changed
Later that evening, a man named Dennis “Leppo” Lobban, an ex-convict Tosh had tried to help reintegrate into society, entered Peter’s home along with others. What began as a demand for money turned into a hostage situation, and eventually, a brutal attack. Peter Tosh was shot and killed—along with others in the house.
The reggae world was stunned. So were his friends and family. That phone call earlier in the day was, unknowingly, a quiet goodbye.
No Tapes—Just Memory and Pain
Despite rumors about secret tapes or recordings, no verified audio of Peter’s last phone call has ever surfaced. What exists are memories—fragments of his last conversations, retold by those who loved him. And while these aren’t as dramatic as the idea of "unheard tapes," they are grounded in truth and emotion.
Peter Tosh died with his mission still burning inside him. But in those final words shared with a friend, he showed what he always did through his music: courage, conviction, and concern for the people.
Final Thoughts
Peter Tosh didn’t leave behind a recorded message on tape—he left behind a legacy in his lyrics, in his actions, and in the last few conversations he had with those around him. Sometimes the truth doesn’t need to be sensational—it just needs to be remembered.