Max Romeo ADD
Max Romeo - Rest In Power (November 22, 1944 - April 11, 2025)
04/12/2025 by Reggaeville
REST IN POWER MAX ROMEO (November 22, 1944 - April 11, 2025)
The reggae world mourns the loss of Reggae legend Max Romeo.
As reported first by dancehallmag.com, Romeo succumbed to heart complications at a private medical facility in St. Andrew, Jamaica in the afternoon of April 11. Since then, thousands of posts and tributes have filled the feeds of social media platforms.
In November 2024 Max Romeo celebrated his 80th birthday. He continued to perform on stages around the world, even if last year it was only at select festivals. In 2023, he announced his retirement from the strenuous touring life. His farewell tour, The Ultimate Tour, took him through Europe for 10 weeks and a total of 50+ shows.
Official statement by the family of Max Romeo: "It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Max. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and tributes, and kindly ask for privacy at this time. Legends never die."
TRIBUTES
STEEL PULSE
"Max Romeo passing…. This has been a shock to everyone’s system. Reason? We have been keeping an eye on Max over the past 5 years in particular, recognising his stamina and his cohesiveness to perform throughout all the continents. And it was impressive even more when Max turned, 80, back in November 2024. To be frank, Max has been the driving force of Steel Pulse aiming for that 10 more years of rocking on stage. “If Max can do it, we can.”
One of his last performances in Jamaica was in honour of another legendary singer, Ken Boothe, which took place a few weeks ago. When it came to the Reggae Festivals across Europe, you can be guaranteed that Max would be on the billing. Not to mention his strong fan base in Brazil.
Steel Pulse has been rocking to Max from in the late 60’s well before he donned his long and thick dreadlocks. This transformation was duly noted, with songs like War Ina Babylon, One Step Forward, and Let The Power Fall On I. It’s now frightening to acknowledge that the very best of reggae is leaving us. Now, it’s only a matter of time that the faces of this genre will mutate into something else… most definitely not the same. Our hearts go out to his wife, Charm, children, Xana, Azzizi and Romario, who he had performing along side on him on stage ever since they were children. They can truly hold their own as performers, btw. Our hearts go out to his fans and friends also. Farewell to a man that upheld his bargain when it came to representing our music; flawless and without scandal. Max Romeo (whose birth name was Max Smith), RIP RIP."
HARRISON STAFFORD - GROUNDATION
"Farewell to a True Messenger – Max Romeo. Today is a deeply sad day for the reggae world… We’ve lost one of our greatest voices, a man whose music has been a guiding light for generations — the legendary Max Romeo. His career spanned over six decades, and his songs will forever remain part of the soundtrack of our lives. His messages, his melodies, his voice — they shaped the sound and soul of reggae music. I had the honor of working with Max on a song for a project that remains unreleased, but I truly hope it will one day see the light of day and continue to carry his spirit forward.
As the years pass and we say goodbye to more of our beloved icons, my one lasting regret is not having Max guest on a Groundation record. We had spoken of doing so for the album that would follow Candle Burning... My deepest condolences go out to the Smith family, his loved ones, and to all the fans around the world who will miss the presence of this cool, humble, and powerful soul who so beautifully delivered the message to the world. Rest in perfect love, Max. Your voice will echo forever."
ISRAEL VIBRATION
"We woke up this morning with the shocking news that our bredren Max Romeo passed away. Max carried the spirit of the people within each note, and his music resonated with the heart of a warrior. Our deep condolences to the Charmax family. Fly away home to Zion, Maxie."
ASTON BARRETT JR
"Max Romeo (Maxwell Livingston Smith) has flown to Zion today. He was the legendary singer of The Upsetters, with Aston Familyman and Carlton Barrett. He wrote roots hits like “War Inna Babylon” and “Chase the Devil” with The Upsetters. Max Romeo and the great Aston “Familyman” Barrett were roommates and shared a birthday. They were also roommates at one point. Their bond and musical collaboration were truly significant in reggae. Max Romeo’s music will continue to be heard. Our thoughts are with his loved ones. RASTAFARI."
HON. OLIVIA 'BABSY' GRANGE [press release]
The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Grange, has said the music world is in deep mourning yet again, with the passing of Maxwell Livingston Smith, “Max Romeo”, who died in hospital this evening (April 11) after being admitted yesterday (April 10). He was 80.
Minister Grange says “the legendary singer and songwriter Max Romeo, was one of the pioneers of Jamaican music. His music not only provided entertainment but much of it addressed social issues such as poverty, inequality, and justice."
“His hit songs such as War Inna Babylon, on the album which was perceived to be his best work, Let the Power Fall and Revelation Time were powerful social commentaries. The strength of his voice and his emotive delivery will also long resonate with us. Max was probably as popular in the United Kingdom as he was in Jamaica. In 2023 he did his ‘Ultimate Tour’ which saw him performing in 56 cities in the UK and across Europe taking along with him on the tour the popular Lutan Fyah and Droop Lion."
Max who also made the Billboard Charts, had a tremendous impact on the evolution of Jamaican music.
“I am so very happy that we inducted Max into the Jamaica Music Museum Hall of Fame earlier this year at the Reggae Gold Awards Ceremony during Reggae Month at the National Indoor Sports Centre. As I have always said, the fraternity and the country at large, should strengthen the habit of hailing our stalwarts while they are alive and able to enjoy the honour. Such is the purpose for the annual Reggae Gold Awards. Give them their flowers before they are gone. My sincerest condolences to his wife Charm, his children, his relatives, friends, and associates in the music fraternity. Rest well my brother, you have played your part in contributing to our music and culture that are now at the centre of Brand Jamaica.”
IN THE PRESS
REGGAE LEGEND MAX ROMEO DIES AT 80
Max Romeo, a leading reggae pioneer, has died. He reportedly passed away on Friday from a heart-related issue. He was 80. [JAMAICA OBSERVER - 4/12/2025]
REGGAE LEGEND MAX ROMEO DEAD AT 80
DancehallMag understands that the singer, whose real name was Maxie Smith, succumbed to heart complications at a private medical facility in St. Andrew, Jamaica. [DANCEHALLMAG.com 4/11/2025]
REGGAE LEGEND MAX ROMEO DIES AT 80
Max Romeo, the legendary Jamaican reggae artist known for classics like “Chase the Devil” and “War Ina Babylon”, has died at the age of 80. Romeo passed away on April 11, 2025, in a hospital in Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica, from heart complications. [CARIBBEANNATIONALWEEKLY.com - 4/12/2025]
