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To sum up the history of The Wailers is akin to summing up the history of The Beatles, except even more so. The influence and impact of Bob Marley and The Wailers goes far beyond that of the fab four, to the extent where some, very understandably, call Marley a straight up prophet. Even from a purely musical perspective, we’re talking about the creators of some of the most iconic pop music of our time. So, no pressure then.
The first incarnation of The Wailers eventually consisted of Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Livingstone playing together as a power trio. However, after several chart successes Livingstone and Tosh were unwilling to tour, so the band split and Marley reformed the Wailers as his backing band. It’s hard to believe that everything that happened next only happened in seven years, but come 1981, Marley passed away due to cancer.
After Marley’s passing, bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett arguably became the band leader. In fact, Barrett’s nickname came from how he saw himself as the organizer of the band from the very beginning. He’d been Marley’s most trusted lieutenant right up until his passing, responsible for most of the songs arrangements and playing on the vast majority of his greatest hits.
Under his guidance the band has played to an estimated total audience of 24 million people over the years, and have worked and performed with artists like Sting, Stevie Wonder and Carlos Santana. They are the pioneers of one drop reggae to this day, and with a line-up as experienced as they are, a live show of theirs can still knock people for six at twenty paces. Highly recommended.
If you're looking for groovy, soulful reggae, look no further. The Wailers know how to bring it all the time, every time. Whether outside or inside, day or night, The Wailers know how to rock the house. Their happy attitudes inspire joy in the audience, creating a festive, 'we just want to have fun' atmosphere infused with soulful and spiritual passion. They are one of those bands that everyone knows is there solely because of their love of music. They outperform themselves with each new live show, entertaining the audience with their awesome riffs. Dwayne “Danglin” Anglin brings in the audience, encouraging them to sing along to “Is This Love” a little louder, clap their hands faster to “Buffalo Soldier”, compete with other sections of the venue in cheering along with “War”.
The Wailers is a reggae band that has evolved and changed many times, and accepted each new development, no matter how unexpected, as it came. Originally formed in 1969 as Bob Marley, Bunny Livingston and Peter Tosh, the group went on to be Bob Marley and the Wailers and, after Bob Marley's death, became the band they are today: The Wailers. They are one of the most internationally recognized reggae bands, having sold over 250 million albums worldwide with Marley. The Wailers have also played with other international acts such as Stevie Wonder, Alpha Blondy, and Sting. Playing on countless tours to an approximated 24 million people, The Wailers are the greatest expounder's of the Jamaican reggae tradition alive today.
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