The Wailers

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Recognised throughout the world as the architect of reggae, Aston “Familyman” Barrett created a musical genre that rose to world domination when he teamed up with Bob Marley as his bassist and musical director.  “Familyman” and his band, The Wailers, have continued to tour the world leaving no doubt that the musical legacy he and Bob Marley created.

The name Wailers first applied to groups led by Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingston in the mid-sixties, when Ska was the ruling sound in Jamaican music.  By the end of the decade this triumvirate had teamed up with the Barrett brothers and begun to dominate the early reggae scene, recording untold hits for producer Lee “Scratch” Perry.  After signing to Island Records in 1971, the name Wailers referred to Bob Marley’s backing band.  When Peter and Bunny then left the group two years later, it was officially passed on to Aston “Familyman” Barrett and his late brother Carlton, who died in 1987. Bob Marley and The Wailers would then go on to break musical history by selling well over 250 million records worldwide. Clearly, “Familyman” is the sole beneficiary of The Wailers’ mantle and whilst other long-standing members still record and tour with the band, it is Marley’s former bassist and musical arranger, “Familyman”, who continues to spearhead his musical legacy. 

Apart from “Familyman” himself, their current line-up includes organist Earl “Wya” Lindo, saxophonist Glen DaCosta, and lead guitarist Junior Marvin who all played alongside “Familyman” and Marley on many of those unforgettable recordings and live performances of the seventies.  The lead singer is former City Heat vocalist Gary “Nesta” Pine, who is widely regarded as The Wailers’ best front man since the late, great Bob himself and Keith Sterling (brother of Lester from The Skatalites) plays keyboards.

In summary, The Wailers Band remains the world’s ultimate roots rock reggae outfit.  No other aggregation can match them for either the depth or quality of their hit songs, or their widespread appeal.  The cap still fits, and yes, the crowd still wants more.

We toured The Wailers in the UK & Ireland in 1999 and arranged extensive Ireland tours in 2002/3/4 when the Wailers played in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Cloughanover, Limerick, Letterkenny, Waterford and Belfast

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Last modified: 02/23/11