“So we gonna walk – all right! – through de roads of creation: We the generation, trod through great tribulations.”
These lyrics from the song “Exodus,” were originally spoken as a call. However, years later it proves to be the mantra for the Wailers, the reggae band formed by renowned singer/songwriter Bob Marley.
Formed in 1969, the Wailers have become the world’s most popular reggae group, selling more than 250 million albums worldwide.
And despite the passing of Marley in 1981, the group continues to “walk through generations” and transcend time.
The Wailers are on an American tour this winter as part of their “Exodus” tour, named after the classic 1977 album which they will be playing in its entirety, including hits such as “Waiting in Vain,” “One Love,” and the very popular “Turn the lights down low.”
Columbus area fans will be able to travel back into the original roots of reggae as the band takes center stage this Saturday at the Lifestyles Community Pavilion.
Bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett, who is also the group’s sole surviving founder, is the leader of the eight-man crew that combines elements of rock, calypso and soul to create a soul-stirring sound embedded with a message of hope, freedom and revolution.
The members are mixed between the old-timers (bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett, guitarist Al Anderson) and newcomers (lead singer Elan Atias), but nonetheless hold the same influence and charisma as Marley’s original muse.
Few bands have matched the influence and impact of Bob Marley and the Wailers, who have played for approximately 24 million people across the globe, including tour stops in Africa and the Far East.
Marley’s premature passing did not put a lasting hold on the bands influence or mainstream popularity. Though there’s no downplaying Marley’s influence to reggae, the Wailers have shown that they are capable of staying in the limelight and continuing their legacy.
During an interview with TV8’s Billy Doran, Barrett said the foundation for the band’s their success is built on the essence of the music itself.
“Reggae music is the heartbeat of the people and it carries the message of roots, culture, and reality … we were chosen to take for that mission,” he said.
The Wailers have since gone on to perform with artists such as Sting, the Fugees, Stevie Wonder and Carlos Santana.
Following their performance in Columbus, the Wailers are expected to make stops in six more states in the U.S. before taking their tour overseas.
Lisa Scott can be reached at [email protected].
