Court Appearance regarding Bob Marley and the Wailers

Aston Barrett, member of the band the Wailers is in Court with Island Records.

Aston Barrett, legendary co-founder of Bob Marleys Wailers Band, has filed a formal suit against Universal/Island Records in the English High Court of Justice. The action is motivated by the fact that his role and that of his brother Carlton as instrumental parts of the success of Bob Marley and the Wailers has been diminished and they have been denied for years both the recognition and royalties they deserve. As the performing members of the music industry stand up for themselves in increasing numbers, fighting for change in the way royalties are paid, Aston hopes that perhaps his attempt to collect only what is rightfully his can help bring even more awareness to a problem plaguing our business on many levels. And, as the major record labels, including Universal (who now own Island and the Island catalogue), insist that they are changing their systems and their approaches to royalty payments to artists, this very situation stands as proof that, so far at least, these promises are only talk.

Aston Barrett is a 56 year old black Jamaican who has spent his entire adulthood earning his living the only way he knows how -- by writing and playing music. Growing up in Jamaica in the 50s and 60s, Aston had limited education and limited work experience. but he had a special talent for playing the bass. Even before Bob Marley had made it as the most successful Jamaican artist, Aston and his brother Carlton had forged a successful career for themselves as the islands best rhythm section playing the homegrown ska, rock steady and reggae music. In fact, one could say that it was the 1970-71 fusion of the Barrett Brothers and The Wailers vocal trio (Peter Tosh, Bunny Livingston and Marley) by producer Lee Perry that produced a dramatic new sound for the group, leading directly to their international success.

From 1968, when they first met, until his death in 1981, Bob Marley constantly appreciated and understood Astons contributions to his own unprecedented accomplishments. When original members, Tosh and Livingston left the group in 1973, Marley retained the Barrett Brothers for the rest of his solo career, touring the world with them at his side. Aston and Carlton were recognised by Marley, the industry and the fans as the Wailers of Bob Marley and The Wailers. They were also named as band members in the contract signed with Island Records in 1974.

The death of Bob Marley in 1981, and the brutal murder of Carlton Barrett in 1987 leave Aston as the only one who truly understands the relationship these three people shared. It has been very difficult emotionally for Aston to have to fight the heirs of his longtime business associate and friend, Bob Marley. For years, he refused to consider this, and has even forfeited other income because statutes of limitations made it impossible for him to levy claims for certain monies owed him. Now, however, with children to support, age limiting his options for earning a living, and the Marleys seeming to throw obstacles to his earning potential at every turn, Aston has had no choice but to file suit and go public with his claims.

The hearing is scheduled for January 20th, 2003 in London. Aston is currently on tour in the USA, but can be available for interview.

For more information, please contact Rupert Withers at Assassination Music on 01494 862770 or email rupert@assassination.co.uk