In the wake of Byron Bay Bluesfest’s cancellation, Noisy Group have secured an intimate East Coast run of dates for reggae royalty The Wailers. This April, 50 Years of Positive Vibrations lands in rooms that put you closer to the music than ever before. From coastal pubs to iconic theatres, this is not just a tour – it’s a living, breathing piece of music history, up close and personal.
In 2026, The Wailers mark 50 years since Rastaman Vibration – the landmark 1976 album that took reggae global and delivered a message of resistance, spirituality, and unity that still cuts through today.
Led by Aston Barrett Jr. – son of the legendary Aston “Familyman” Barrett – the band continues to honour its roots while pushing forward with purpose. Alongside him, powerhouse vocalist Mitchell Brunings brings a voice and presence that channels the soul of a movement.
Audiences can expect a soul-stirring setlist that weaves together the revolutionary spirit of Rastaman Vibration, the band’s classic anthems, and select modern highlights – all delivered with the same authenticity, musicianship, and heart that made The Wailers a cornerstone of global music.
50 Years of Positive Vibrations is more than a tour – it’s a celebration of music with meaning, a living connection between reggae’s golden era and its continuing power to inspire unity, resilience, and hope.
THE WAILERS
50 years of Positive Vibrations Tour
Wednesday 1 April – Drifters Wharf, Gosford ON SALE NOW
Thursday 2 April – Metro Theatre, Sydney ON SALE NOW
Friday 3 April – Finnians Tavern, Port Macquarie ON SALE NOW
Saturday 4 April – Coffs Hotel, Coffs Harbour ON SALE NOW
Sunday 5 April – Hotel Brunswick, Brunswick Heads ON SALE NOW
“When Bob Marley knew his time on this planet was coming to an end, he asked his bandleader Family Man Barrett to make him a solemn promise — that his music would continue to be played live for as long as possible.”
That responsibility was carried by Aston “Family Man” Barrett, the legendary bandleader of Bob Marley & The Wailers, a founding member, songwriter and producer on many of their recordings. Family Man honoured that promise for decades, right up until his passing in 2024.
What Family Man also did — and what makes this moment so important — was train a new generation of musicians to carry that legacy forward, including his son, Aston Barrett Jr., now the bandleader of The Wailers.
This is not a cheap facsimile of Bob Marley’s music. This is genuine, heartfelt and real. It is Bob Marley’s music played properly, taught by members of The Wailers themselves and passed on to a new generation who deeply care about both the music and its message.
This tour carries the spirit, power and purpose of Bob Marley into the future. It honours the past while keeping the message alive — and it is absolutely not to be missed.
Rastaman Vibration – A Global Milestone
First released in 1976, Rastaman Vibration was a defining moment in global music, carrying reggae’s message of resistance, spirituality and hope onto the world stage. Nearly five decades on, its songs remain as urgent and resonant as ever.
This special anniversary tour highlights select cuts from Rastaman Vibration, including “Positive Vibration,” “Roots, Rock, Reggae,” and “War,” alongside the timeless anthems that continue to unite generations through music.
The Wailers Today
Today, The Wailers carry this legacy forward under the leadership of Aston Barrett Jr., son of legendary bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett. With deep respect for the past and a clear vision for the future, Barrett Jr. leads the band with authenticity, purpose and heart.
Joined by Mitchell Brunings, whose soulful vocals and commanding stage presence have captivated audiences worldwide, The Wailers deliver performances that embody the true spirit of reggae — uplifting, conscious and deeply human.
From Stage to Screen
In a unique crossover into film, Aston Barrett Jr. recently portrayed his father in the 2024 biopic Bob Marley: One Love, directed by Reinaldo Marcus Green and starring Kingsley Ben-Adir. His performance brought rare authenticity to the screen, grounded in lived experience and a profound personal connection to the music and its legacy.
Creative Vitality and Global Reach
Alongside honouring the past, The Wailers remain creatively vital in the present. Their recent albums One World and Evolution — both Grammy-nominated — reaffirm the band’s ongoing relevance and artistic power.
Evolution, produced by Grammy Award-winner Emilio Estefan Jr. on Crescent Moon Records, blends classic roots reggae with contemporary global influences, with songs like “Love Should Be Free” resonating worldwide for their positive and socially conscious message.
50 Years of Positive Vibrations
Australian audiences can expect a soul-stirring live experience, weaving together the revolutionary spirit of Rastaman Vibration, the band’s iconic catalogue and select modern highlights — delivered with the same musicianship, authenticity and heart that made The Wailers a cornerstone of global music.
50 Years of Positive Vibrations is more than a tour — it’s a celebration of music with meaning, a living connection between reggae’s golden era and its enduring power to inspire unity, resilience and hope.
