Iron Lion Zion by Bob Marley and the Wailers has surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify. The song, released on September 7, 1992, as part of the Songs Of Freedom box set, came out more than a decade after Marley’s death. It is Marley’s 23rd song to reach this milestone, making him the second Jamaican singer to have that many songs surpassing 100 million streams on Spotify, following Sean Paul with 26.
Th single peaked at No. 5 in the U.K., number 8 on the UK Dance chart and No. 11 on the U.S. Billboard modern Rock Chart, one of the few reggae acts to make the chart. It peaked at number 71 in Australia, 11 in Austria, 5 in Belgium, and 8 on the Eurochart Hot 100. The song reached number 9 on the European Dance Radio chart, 10 in Finland, 3 in France, 17 in Germany, and 5 in Ireland. In the Netherlands, it secured positions 4 on the Dutch Top 40 and 5 on the Single Top 100. It performed exceptionally well in New Zealand and Sweden, peaking at number 2 in both countries.
Additionally, it reached number 9 in Spain and Switzerland. The song also appeared on year-end charts, including positions 48 in Belgium, 65 on the Eurochart Hot 100, 36 on the Dutch Top 40, 61 on the Netherlands Single Top 100, 68 on the UK Singles chart for 1992, and 91 on the Eurochart Hot 100 for 1993.
A remixed version was released May 23, 1995 on the compilation album Natural Mystic: The Legend Lives On. It is certified Gold in New Zealand for sales surpassing 5000 units.
In 2020, the Marley family release released the “Iron Lion Zion” EP, which included 5 mixes and dub versions of the title track and “Smile Jamaica” from 1976. The release coincided with a 12-part documentary series, “Bob Marley: Legacy,” on YouTube featuring Marley’s family and friends, showcases his impact on Jamaica and includes discussions on his artistry and the influence of marijuana.
Both the series and EP were part of the “Marley75” celebration, honoring what would have been Marley’s 75th birthday. Additionally, Ziggy and Stephen Marley will perform at various “Marley75” live events throughout the year.
