By: Staff Writer
March 2, 2021
Legendary Reggae artist, Bunny Wailer, the last member of the group Bob Marley and the Wailers, is dead at 73.
Neville Livingston, aka Bunny Wailer, of the iconic Bob Marley and the Wailers, has died at the age of 73 from complications of a stroke he suffered back in 2018.
Livingstone’s manager, Maxine Stowe, confirmed that Wailer died on Tuesday at the Medical Associates Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica.
The news has shocked the music community as he was a pioneer in developing the reggae sound along with the iconic Bob Marley and the ever talented, Peter Tosh- both who predeceased him-making up the band what we have come to know as Bob Marley and the Wailers.
Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, in a series of tweets on his official Twitter page, hailed this giant of the music industry. He said: “This is a great loss for Jamaica and for Reggae, undoubtedly Bunny Wailer will always be remembered for his sterling contribution to the music industry and Jamaica’s culture. May his soul Rest In Peace.”
“My deep condolences to the family, friends and fans of legendary Reggae artiste, Neville Livingston, also known as Bunny Wailer.”
Livingston was a three time Grammy Award winner and won Jamaica’s highest honour, the Order of Jamaica, 2012.
Livingston’s family issued statement late Tuesday evening which read:
“We appreciate the expressions of sorrow and acknowledge the tributes to our spiritual leader, brother, father and lion. As a family, we seek to continue his spiritual mission of music, love and truth as written in his songs, spoken in his deeds and enshrined in his living, and testamentary wishes. The efforts of his commercial and legal teams throughout the years have ensured that his commercial rights and obligations exist through legal entities that continue, and therefore his rights are protected, and will perpetuate as he wished,” the statement continued.
The family asked for all reggae fans and well-wishers to “summon positive thoughts, purpose and good energy” even while they grieved.
“Jah B brought good and righteousness through his life, and lived to the best extent of his gifts, as a Wailer and as a Livingston. We ask that all who love, and respect his works, stand and fight for what is right and just in every aspect, throughout Planet Earth,” the statement read.
The statement was sent through the family’s lawyer and signed by Livingston’s brother, Carl Livingston, who is his estate’s Trustee and Executor.