Peter Tosh – Stepping Razor: Red X (Doc)
The Rebel Prophet’s Voice, Unfiltered
Peter Tosh wasn’t just a reggae icon—he was a revolutionary voice for justice, equality, and liberation. While Bob Marley was the global diplomat, Tosh was the militant prophet, never afraid to speak truth to power.
The 1992 documentary Stepping Razor: Red X dives deep into the fire and philosophy of the man who proudly called himself a “wanted dread and alive.”
About the Film
Title: Stepping Razor: Red X
Director: Nicholas Campbell
Producer: Edgar Egger
Release Year: 1992
This is more than a documentary—it's Peter Tosh in his own words. The film is built around his private audio diaries, recorded in the years leading up to his untimely death, offering raw, unscripted access to the man behind the music.
Why “Red X”?
Tosh often referred to himself as “The Red X”, symbolizing how he felt marked by Babylon (the system), targeted by authorities, and misunderstood by many. The title “Stepping Razor” came from his signature track—a metaphor for his fearless, cutting presence in the music world and political arena.
Inside the Documentary
Rare live performances and concert footage
Tosh’s personal audio journals discussing politics, spirituality, and being a marked man
Interviews with family, friends, and musical peers
Government harassment, beatings, and surveillance
His unwavering message of equal rights, African repatriation, and marijuana legalization
Music Featured in the Film
Legalize It
Equal Rights
Get Up, Stand Up
Stepping Razor
And more from his solo albums like Bush Doctor, Mystic Man, and Mama Africa
Themes & Legacy
Militancy vs Diplomacy: Tosh’s contrast with Bob Marley
Rastafarianism: Central to Tosh’s music and beliefs
Resistance through Sound: How music became his weapon
Final Days: The tragic 1987 murder that silenced a revolutionary—but amplified his message
Stepping Razor: Red X is one of the only major documentaries to spotlight Tosh’s life outside of Marley’s shadow. It’s a must-watch for reggae lovers, truth-seekers, and freedom fighters—a reminder that music isn’t just entertainment. It’s a movement.