Reggae Icon Max Romeo Dead At 80
Max Romeo, the influential Jamaican reggae artist best known for tracks such as "Chase The Devil" and "War Ina Babylon," has died at the age of 80. The singer, known to his family and friends as Maxie Smith, passed away after heart complications in Saint Andrew Parish, Jamaica, on April 12, 2025.
Romeo rose to fame in the late 1960s with his provocative hit "Wet Dream." Despite being banned by the BBC, the song became a UK Top 10 single and spent 25 weeks in the charts, cementing his legacy as one of the world’s most recognizable reggae voices. A post on his official Instagram announced his passing, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love and tributes while requesting privacy during this difficult time. "Legends never die," the post concluded.
Born Maxwell Livingston Smith in St. D’Acre, St. Ann, Jamaica, Romeo left home at the age of 14 to work on a sugar plantation. By 18, he had won a local talent competition and moved to Kingston to pursue a career in music. He joined a band called the Emotions in 1965, and their first hit, "(Buy You) A Rainbow," came in 1966.
In 1968, Romeo began his solo career, and "Wet Dream" was his first massive hit. Its explicitly sexual lyrics led to it being banned by the BBC Radio, yet it still became a top 10 hit in the UK. In 1969, he released his debut solo album, "A Dream," followed by the more politically charged "Let The Power Fall" in 1971. The title track became the theme song for the People’s National Party during the 1972 Jamaican general election.
Romeo's 1976 album "War Ina Babylon," released on Island Records and backed by the Jamaican band the Upsetters, is widely regarded as a classic of the roots reggae era. This album featured his beloved songs "Chase The Devil" and "War Ina Babylon," which have been sampled by artists across genres, including the Prodigy and Kanye West.
In 1978, he moved to New York City, where he co-wrote and starred in the musical "Reggae." His contributions to music continued into the 1980s when he provided backing vocals on the Rolling Stones' track "Dance" from their "Emotional Rescue" album. Keith Richards later co-produced and played on Romeo’s record "Holding Out My Love To You."
In 2023, Romeo filed a $15 million lawsuit against Universal Music Group and Polygram Publishing, Inc., alleging that they had not paid him royalties for his work for over 50 years. This legal battle highlighted the ongoing issues of artist compensation in the music industry, especially for those who have contributed significantly to the genre.
Romeo's lawyer, Errol Michael Henry, expressed his shock at the news of Romeo's passing. "To hear of his passing is quite shocking," he said. "He was a perfect gentleman, and a gentle soul. He had great love for his family, and he was a legend in his own right. You couldn’t meet a nicer person – which makes the loss more difficult."
Throughout his career, Romeo's music not only entertained but also spoke to the socio-political issues of Jamaica, making him a significant figure in the reggae movement. His work has inspired countless artists and continues to resonate with fans around the world.
As the reggae community mourns the loss of Max Romeo, his contributions to music and culture will not be forgotten. His songs will continue to play, echoing the messages of love, resistance, and social change that defined his career.
