Pato Banton Says Next Album Will Be His Last, Reveals New Song At Live Shows

Pato Banton is currently on tour with Eek-A-Mouse, entertaining multi-generation crowds of reggae fans with his uplifting stage antics. He's one of my favorite artists to see live because he never stops smiling and bounces around the stage with such joy. From what I have seen and heard of Pato's music and presence, he is carrying the torch that Bob Marley was forced to abandon when he died. Pato's live performances are so similar to Bob Marley's - both seem humble and appreciative of the audience's attention and both seem to be possessed by the music as they are performing it. They cry out with anguish and sing in celebration. It's truly a beautiful thing to witness. When I was basking in Pato Banton's glow at The Independent in SF on Sunday night, he revealed something that is both good news and bad news at the same time. Pato said that he had recorded a new version of his long-time hit, "My Opinion." This would be the third and final version to be recorded and it would be included on what he called "my last album." I can't imagine why he calls it that, but it will be a very, very sad day on planet earth when Pato Banton stops recording and stops touring. He said the album will be titled Destination Paradise and the re-written song would be called "My Opinion Part 3". Now, when I saw him perform in SF last year, his performance of "My Opinion" was about 20 minutes long with interludes and choruses that had me enchanted the whole way through. The song is so gentle and so emotional, I don't know whether to burst into a smile or tears. This past Sunday night, however, he saved "My Opinion" for last, just before giving up the stage for Eek-A-Mouse, so he kept it short, only about 5 minutes. But this time, it was "My Opinion Part 3" a sneak preview for his adoring fans. I was too in awe to get my camera out for the beginning (I was still reeling at the thought of Pato putting out a final album, ever), but that's ok, because I wouldn't want to reveal the entire song anyway. Out of respect for one of my favorite artists of all time, I want to share with you an excerpt of "My Opinion Part 3" performed live on Sunday night. This footage is missing the entire first verse, so don't bother trying to "leak" it or anything. Most of all, I want to share this video with you because it's a nice example of how you can actually see the creative spirit coursing through his entire body. The man can barely keep his feet on the ground - his soul is so uplifting, he almost floats away!