orld-renowned reggae band The Wailers performed at Harry O’s on August 26. Emanating from the stage was a sense of unity between the fans and the band. Longtime bassist Aston Barrett reveals that “Reggae is the heart of the people, the universal language.” Fans at Harry O’s clearly spoke this language, and allowed themselves to prove it by dancing harmoniously with each other.

Though the legendary Bob Marley has been dead for many years now, the band that helped make him an icon is still in full swing. Headed by “Family Man” Aston Barrett, The Wailers frequently tour both in and out of the United States, continuing to spread the message of peace and love that they began sharing more than 20 years ago.

The Wailers adhered to a program consisting of songs that were created and performed when Bob Marley was alive. Nearly all of the songs were recognizable and fun to sing along with. Though most of the members in the band are original performers, it still seemed incomplete. This lack of wholeness can only be explained by the void on stage where Bob Marley should have been standing.

The band opened with two instrumental numbers that welcomed the Jamaican vibe, and made everyone excited for more. Fans stared at the stage, watching as Barrett and friends played their instruments. One couldn’t help but notice that the microphone stood eerily isolated, ironically in the center of the stage. Suddenly, frontman Gary “Nesta” Pines jumped out from the shadows, and started singing the songs that Marley once performed. The presence of Pines was welcoming, but felt more like a Vegas-style impersonation of Marley, rather than true authenticity. Pines was clearly a Marley wannabe, from the way in which he jammed on his guitar, to the swinging of his dread locks.

Though maybe not truly appreciated by everyone, Pines did an excellent job in maintaining the energy. He was obviously having fun, and making most of the fans feel like they were watching the ’70s-era band complete with Marley as frontman.

The Wailers’ ability to maintain this connection to the past is due largely to the efforts of Barrett. In regard to the music performed by the Wailers, Barrett claims, “The music that we play is for the past, present and future. It’s deep music, it’s like salvation, which is the only thing that can last forever.” The performances given by the Wailers do indeed “save” the viewers. It rescues them from reality, and carries them to the island of Jamaica, where peace and love are dreamed to reign, and war is a distant concept.

Despite what many may think, this feeling of escape during a Wailers performance is not the result of too much marijuana. Instead, it is the way in which the band connects with its fans, and plays music that preaches peace and happiness. It is nearly impossible for anyone to be angry at a Wailers concert. This feeling of peace is one that the Wailers would be proud to know that they created. The efforts that the Wailers put forth to create harmony are evidenced by the way that they feel toward mankind. Barrett reiterates the importance of love among mankind by saying, “How good and how pleasant would it be to see the unification of our nation?”

The small unification of people takes place in the presence of the Wailers. Performing only the songs that were created years ago, the Wailers try their hardest to maintain the feelings and emotions that existed when Marley was alive. Barrett’s role in this process is of great importance due to his work with original songs performed by Bob Marley and the Wailers. “I created and arranged them all. I am the band’s musical producer and the foundation of the great success of Bob Marley and the Wailers. I am the mastermind behind it,” said Barrett.

Barrett values his self-assigned role as the “family man” because he knows that it is his responsibility to keep the band together, claiming that, “We all have to work and live together as a family.” Barrett has kept the band moving for many years now. Though the Wailers have not produced new music, they have created a variety of compilation albums, performing the original songs that deeply struck an audience years ago. The band tours on a regular basis, carrying with it “the message of roots, culture, and reality.”

Though not truly authentic, the efforts of Barrett and the rest of the band are duly noted. The music still rings with messages that come from the heart, and induce people to get along. The Wailers will end their current tour on Sept. 10, take a break and begin touring again. The band members may not all be originals, but the message is still there, and that is perhaps the strongest element that holds the Wailers together, pushing them to tour and promote the one thing that our world lacks—peace.
autumn@red-mag.com