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MVP Events

The Wailers Hit the Wilma

By Colin Hickey, 1-05-07

Everybody knows who Bob Marley is no matter what age you are. Bob’s backup, the Wailers, are going to be in Missoula on January 11th at the Wilma. Most people don’t know that Aston “Familyman” Barrett of the Wailers helped Bob Marley become the international superstar that he became.

Aston “Familyman” Barrett made his first bass guitar out of ply wood and an ashtray. Today he is recognized as one of the best bass players in the world. Aston and his brother Carlton joined the Wailers in the late 1960’s. Aston quickly became the leader of the Wailers. He is the only living musician who played with Bob Marley from his beginning to his tragic death of cancer in 1981. “Familyman” co-produced 11 albums with Bob Marley. Bob trusted Aston so much that he had him produce albums for The Melody Makers which was made up of his children. After Bob’s death, his mother had Aston help her pursue a solo career. Aston is one of the main reasons why reggae music is as popular as it is today. Aston has also worked with legends like John Denver, Taj Mahal and Joe Cocker.

The Wailers have sold over 250 million records world wide. The current line up has other legends like Al Anderson and Earl “Wya” Lindo. Al Anderson started playing with Marley in 1974. Besides playing with the Wailers Anderson has shared the stage with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder and he even played with James Brown at the fall of the Berlin Wall. Earl Lindo started playing with the Wailers in 1972 and he has stayed ever since. Lindo got his start working at the Coxsone Dodd Studio one of Jamaica’s popular recording labels.

This might be one of the last times you will be able to see this lineup on stage together. They will be playing all of your Marley favorites plus other reggae staples that they made famous. Tickets are $22.50 Adv and $25 at the door.

Events editor Colin Hickey is the ultimate man about town. His regular "MVP Event" feature highlights one or two knockout shows on www.missoulaevents.net.

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