Piece of Bob Marley’s dreadlocks to sell for thousands

By Tom Bevan

A dreadlock from Bob Marley's hair taken from him by a 14-year-old during an iconic "Top of the Pops" performance, could sell for up to $33,000.

The historic lock from the reggae superstar is the first to be sold in more than 20 years and is going to auction.

It dates back to a Top of the Pops performance in June 1978, Bob Marley and the Wailers were there to perform their new single, Satisfy my Soul.

With Bob Marley’s permission, Andrea Reed, then 14, twisted the hair from his dreadlock at the BBC Television Centre.

She said he had been amused at her request to take some of his dreadlock and allowed her to stuff it into her handbag.

And she has now recalled the moment she stood with him on stage and twisted it - describing it crunching off 'like a bag of crisps'.

The 1.5 inch lock, which is accompanied by an autograph from Bob, is now expected to make $20,000-$25,000 at JC Auctions in Bristol on April 9.

It is the first genuine piece of Bob Marley’s hair to come up for auction since 2003.

Speaking ahead of the sale, Andrea, now 62, of Gerald's Cross, Bucks, said she remembers how it felt 'like it was yesterday.'

She said: "We used to have to wait outside Top of the Tops hoping to get in and we did. There were a few bands there and then Bob comes on.

"You were allowed to get up on the stage where they were  then and were able to touch them

"I ambled up and stood right next to him to his left side. He did a big chuckle but did not say anything.

"I just said 'can I have a piece of your dreadlock?' He just went 'ermmm' and then I took some. It was literally just like crisps in my hand. It was so crunchy, I remember it so well. I twisted it and twisted it and it came off. 

 "He just laughed and didn't mind at all. He was very cool about it"

Andrea said ever since she has kept it sealed in an autograph book wrapped in clingfilm and would sometimes look at it. 

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"It is something I've had for a long time. I just thought I'd contacted someone to see it if was of any interest. I did not realise it would gain the interest it seemingly has.

"It was just an innocent teenage thing to do. I was just 16 and am 62 now. 

"It was exciting. We were all well into music in those days. It was one of those things of the moment. We would do anything when we were young."

Andrea said she had only recently grasped the historical significance of the item.

She added: "It still feels like yesterday that I did it. I loved that night - it was so much fun. The fact you could go up to all artists and stand next to them - everything was just a bit more free and easy then.

"I did look at it sometimes. It was pretty special. It never crossed my mind how rare it was though. Maybe it is time for someone else to appreciate it.

"Bob died so long ago but this is an actual part of him and part of his DNA. It's a bit surreal to have had such a famous piece of hair.

"I was blown away by the valuation but when you think about it is it actually a historic bit of pop memorabilia. He was such a legend."

That autograph - worth around $4,000 alone - accompanies the dreadlock in the lot.

Paul Fraser of JC Auctions said he anticipates significant interest in the sale.

He said: "Demand is strong for Bob Marley memorabilia. He died so young, there just isn’t much around.

“We’re honoured to bring Bob Marley’s hair to auction. Marley ignited global awareness of Rastafarianism and dreadlocks, and brought the religious significance of the hairstyle to the world's attention. This lock is the physical embodiment of that legacy.

“We’re seeing a real boom in hair collecting. Collectors love owning a genuine part of their heroes.”

The lock is one of 50+ rare pieces of history that feature in JC Auctions’ The Memorabilia Auction.

The auction runs online until Thursday, April 9, 2026.