25. máj 2004
The Wailers!

THE WAILERS

Druhý festivalový deň vystúpi snáď najjagavejšia hviezda reggae na svete, skupina The Wailers, skupina, v ktorej hral legendárny Bob Marley…

The Wailers, after successfully completing a sold out 2002 tour led by Aston “Familyman” Barrett, plan to carry on the spirit and musical dominance that was created by Bob Marley and “Familyman”.

Recognized throughout the world as the architect of reggae, “Familyman” created a music 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.

As The Wailers embark on their 30th tour of the world, “Familyman” has pushed the limits of The Wailers, by assembling original band members that toured with Bob Marley making this reunion an unprecedented musical event. The upcoming world tour in 2003 will be one of the most defining events since music fans have discovered the soul stirring magic of reggae.

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 onto 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 trombone player Vin Gordon 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.

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.