Wailers

When The Wailers appears on a marquee in 2003, it’s natural to wonder about the strength of the link between the current touring incarnation and the late Bob Marley’s band. Fortunately for fans, this reggae supergroup maintains the integrity of its name, much more so than plenty of stadium-touring, gray-mulleted rock headliners. Guitarist Al Anderson joined the band in 1972, making him part of the lineup that released the crossover smash Catch a Fire and the roots-reggae milestone Burnin’. Aston “Family Man” Barrett mastered his bass grooves as a member of Lee “Scratch” Perry’s organic funk outfit the Upsetters; he joined the Wailers in 1969 during Perry’s seminal sessions with Marley. In addition to these icons, the Wailers’ lineup includes a horn section that recorded, but rarely toured, with the band.