Freddie McGregor (right) takes a picture with The Big Ship family and a commemorative plaque he was given as tribute by THE STAR. From left are: Singing Sweet, Shema, Chino, Stephen 'Di Genius' McGregor and Bramma.

Fans wave during the performance of Freddie McGregor.

A grateful Freddie McGregor was honoured on Saturday during the first edition of THE STAR Tribute Series at Club Impulse, Knutsford Boulevard.

As he took the stage, he immediately thanked the company for what he said was the start of something good.

"Big respect to THE STAR for doing this. Over time they will be honouring a lot of people and I thank you for that. STAR, you did a great thing right yah so," he said as he was about to start his performance.

With many of his Japanese fans in the audience, he also paid tribute to them while making note of the major earthquake and tsunami the country faced recently.

"Tonight, we have a lot of Japanese in the house. Japan is one country that love reggae to di maximum. I want to do a little thing for Japan tonight," he said before doing a song in Japanese that wasn't understood by most of the audience but appreciated nonetheless.

He got the audience rocking as he sang Push Come To Shove and Stop Loving You. His other song, Winner, got one of the few 'pull ups' for the night, while Freedom Is A Must was a hit among the patrons. In a very dramatic manner, he sang Buju Banton's DriverA while asking for the artiste's release from prison.

Close to the end of McGregor's performance, he did Just Don't Wanna Be Lonely before he was joined by the other members of the Big Ship to do a medley. Thereafter, he was presented with a plaque which he gracefully accepted.

Prior to the start of his performance, the selector played mainly older songs like Murder She Wrote and Night Nurse. To kick-start the show a little after midnight, Devonte did an a cappella version of one of Freddie Mcgregor's songs.

He was followed by Bramma, who did some of his more popular songs like It's Whatever, Defend Mi Own and Nuh Trust People.

biggest cheers

Laden got some 'forwards' for Still Hot and Money Ova War. "Mi baptise inna di water weh d ship a sail inna," he said, during a 'big up' to McGregor and Big Ship. Claiming that he could not go without singing something for the women, he did Really Like You.

Chino got one of the biggest cheers even before taking the stage. He started his stint withPon Your Head. That was well received.

"Big respect to THE STAR for honouring this legend while living," he said, before going into the very fitting Before Dem Gone.

As he did From Mawning, his honouree father stood, danced and sang along with his hands raised. Chino also made a young woman's night when he brought her onstage, serenading her with one of his father's songs. He sang Protected and Stephen McGregor joined him onstage, eliciting screams from the audience.

Stephen, whose performance skills seem to be improving, got a major reaction from the audience when he sang Caan Fren Again and Can't Tek Wi Life. He was followed by Singing Sweet, who referred to McGregor as a father figure. He did songs like When I See You Smile and Oh Donna, as well as a new song called Weh Dem a Do.

Captain of The Big Ship, Freddie McGregor, sings for an appreciative audience at the Impulse Night Club in New Kingston on Saturday night. - Anthony Minott photos

While a legendary musician was onstage, legendary beauty could be found among the crowd of supporters.

The Japanese guests were all smiles as they pay tribute to Freddie McGregor.

This lucky patron is in heaven as she is serenaded by Chino.

Laden sings for the ladies at Club Impulse on Saturday night.