Bunny Wailer Dead at 73; the Fromer Neville Livingston was the Last Surviving Original Wailer
Reggae musician Bunny Wailer, the last surviving original member of Bob Marley’s first band, died March 2 at age 73.
His death was first reported by the Jamaica Observer and was confirmed on the Wailers’ Facebook page using the musician’s given name.
“With great sadness, we announce the loss of our beloved brother, Neville ‘Bunny Wailer’ Livingstone,” the statement reads.
“His life was a blessing and his memories remain a treasure, loved beyond words and missed beyond measures. You will never be forgotten.”
No cause was given. But Wailer had been in and out of the hospital after suffering his second stroke in 2020.
“Rest easy, Bunny,” UB40’s Robin Campbell wrote on Facebook. “Your music lives forever.”
Wailer’s death marks “one of the lowest moments in the history of our culture,” Shaggy said on Facebook.
“This is a great loss for reggae and the Jamaican people and reggae fans around the world,” he wrote. “You have made us proud, king. ... Your music will forever wail.”
Then known as Livingston, Wailer co-founded the Wailers with Marley and Peter Tosh in 1963 and appeared on the trio’s first major-label LPs, Catch a Fire and Burnin’, both released in 1973.
After leaving the band, Wailer launched a solo career with Blackheart Man in 1976. He won three Grammys in the 1990s for Time Will Tell: A Tribute to Bob Marley (’91), Crucial! Roots Classics (’95) and Hall of Fame: A Tribute to Bob Marley’s 50th in ’97.
“A very sad day for music,” Dynamq tweeted.
Capleton, aka King Shango, offered condolences to the family of Wailer, whom he called “the great legend.”
“We give thanks for all your musical contributions,” Capleton wrote on Twitter. “Rest in power.”
3/2/21
