The Wailers - Bristol Music Review
Posted on: 2017-03-09
Our rating:
On a rainy Bristol night following another grim budget in what seems today a very angry world , the sun came out in abundance as The Wailers took to the O2 stage.
Bob Marley's army of musicians have been touring since the early 1970s hosting some of Reggae's greatest legends in the line ups along the way.
Although the likes of Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer or the great man himself do not tread the boards anymore, the latest collection of players include one of Bob's most trusted lieutenants, bass player Aston ''Family Man' Barrett, although these days he sits on a chair whilst playing he is still the anchorman of the band.
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The authenticity he brings to The Wailers' sound is undisputable in mixing it with some of Jamaica's finest new musicians. Over the years this band played live to over 24 million people and sold 250 million albums worldwide with 20 hits in the UK alone. Then it is no surprise tonight that the crowd gathered are from all walks of life including some original Rude Boys to Rastas and from students to middle aged.
One thing everyone has in common is 'One love'; singing it louder than the band, everyone is re-living their summer holidays on sunkissed beaches or just happier times. As the band take us through The Legend album, firm favourites "No woman no cry", appropriately dedicated to the International Women's Day by Junior Marvin on the mic, drive the crowd crazy.
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'Buffalo soldier', 'Three little birds' and 'shot the Sheriff ' get the dancefloor swaying, singing and hand waving right to the end. The encore sees the acoustic version - and possibly the best performance of the night in my eyes - 'Redemption Song ', only to be joined by the rest of the band for the last verse and 'Could you be Loved'.
The climax was the adeptly name hit 'Exodus' which we all did as the lights came on. As I stepped out back into the cold Bristol rain I felt I had returned from a Caribbean holiday with a smile on my face. I do not how long this band will be able to continue spreading the love but see them if you can as they are true legends...Amen Bob
Reviewed by Mike Headington
Article by:
Born and raised in the suburbs of Swansea, Jimmy moved to Bristol back in 2004 to attend university. Passionate about live music, sport, science and nature, he can usually be found walking his cocker spaniel Baxter at any number of green spots around the city. Call James on 078 9999 3534 or email Editor@365Bristol.com.
