Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer

Last year's 'Moment', delivered from a rectangular stage which gave the performers room to move and face all sections of the audience at some point, leaned heavily on the experience of the production itself for impact. And this year, the presentation is expected to be a wonderful 'surprise' all in itself, one that is expected to help pull in the crowd. As Chantrelle said, "We believe that if we can put on a great package, that is the draw."

The 2008 'Moment' will be delivered from a 120-foot long, 50-foot high stage, with a 40-foot high backdrop. "Coming off last year, the Indoor Centre presented a certain kind of intimacy," Chantrelle said. "Outdoors we are going to try to get the feel." So with the high backdrop, "even as far back as the top of the grandstand, it will feel like you are indoors".

"The stage itself will be a production all by itself," Chantrelle said.

Obvious advantages

With the National Stadium's obvious advantages, parking and bathroom facilities as well as fixed seating, Chantrelle says "It is amazing more people haven't done shows there. It is a natural amphitheatre." The event will utilise approximately one-third of the facility.

He says it is the best set-up in the island for an event hosting 5,000 to 10,000 people, and "I believe after this event, the National Stadium will be used more," pointing out that many of the events staged at King's House and the Golf Academy in New Kingston could be staged at the National Stadium.

The National Stadium does see some light concert use with the Reggae Boyz 'Office' matches half-time shows. The annual Boxing Day 'Sting', now held at Jamworld, was staged on the Stadium's football field up to 1992.

Perhaps the most famous musical event to be held at the National Stadium is the One Love Peace Concert, held on April 22, 1978. In a Gleaner article published on April 20, 2008, reflecting on the concert 30 years later, former Prime Minister Edward Seaga wrote:

"On April 22, 1978, the National Stadium was overflowing with a capacity-plus crowd of more than 30,000, in addition to several hundred seats on the football field for special guests. The admission fee was set at a minimal amount.

"As the concert progressed, the spirit of a spectacle was building. The earlier acts were performing, each building greater excitement. JLP and PNP supporters sat together in the stands. All were there to share in the greatest reggae concert ever."

And then there was the climactic moment, in which he was directly involved, as Marley invited both political leaders on stage:

One love

"The roar of the crowd was incredible as Manley and I rose from our seats and approached the stage. Michael took the long way around leading to the steps of the stage. Massop pulled me on to the front of the stage. Onstage, Bob took Manley's left hand and my right hand. He clasped them in his own hand and raised all three above his head. At that historic moment, as hundreds of camera flashes lit the sky, Jamaica was one people, one nation. The roar of the crowd was deafening and more tumultuous yet, as he released our hands to strike the first chord of the song of the evening, the Song of the Century:

"One love, one heart let's get together and feel alright."