The Wailers

By
May 2022 View more


The current crew of the Wailers

The Wailers
8 p.m. May 13
Pfeiffer Hall
310 E. Benton Ave., Naperville
Tickets $30–$45
630-637-7469
finearts.northcentralcollege.edu 

Carrying the torch

“It’s an honor and a privilege to carry on the tradition of this legendary band. The meaning of the Wailers is very important, and we don’t want to mess around with that. This music has no end, it has no category, it’s not old or new. But it means so much to so many people all around the world, which is why we want to make sure we preserve it and preserve the spirit of peace, love, and unity that inspires it.”

One love

“I’m not a religious guy, but I do believe in God. And I went through different seasons in my life where I studied all kinds of different religions just to understand where everyone is coming from. But I don’t like a religion that excludes, which is why I love reggae: We welcome everyone. This is therapy music for the mind and the soul.”


Barrett became bandleader of the Wailers in 2016. His father led the band when it backed Bob Marley in the ’70s.

Music for all

“I think we’re one of the few bands out there that really enlightens people spiritually, and the response we get in our performances is always so grateful. Our audiences are so diverse—we see every age and every way of life, and they all come together as a family for these shows. That’s the power of reggae music: We bring people together in mind, body, and spirit.”   

Photos courtesy of the Wailers