Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Many members have passed through the doors of The Wailers from the 1970s until now, though no matter the quantity of musicians, the group’s status as worldwide reggae ambassadors has never diminished. Despite the monumental loss of Bob Marley in 1981 at a mere 36, the band never stopped honoring his legacy, and its latest line-up features a monumental reunion of several past players alongside some younger additions.

While Marley & The Wailers often sought to empower the exploited and eradicate political tensions in their native Jamaica, so many of their treasured tracks have since transformed into global anthems against oppression and injustice.

Beginning with the hypnotic beats of “Natural Mystic,” a jam-packed House Of Blues jumped right into the celebration and reflection-filled evening that would stretch for nearly two hours. Whether it was the immediately familiar “Is This Love” and “I Shot The Sheriff” or the deeper but just as delectable “Midnight Ravers” and “The Heathen,” The Wailers’ sun-stroked grooves repeatedly came across with pure reggae perfection.

Beyond the eclectic musical rhythms, everything from the vintage “Concrete Jungle” through the newer “Stand Firm” showcased the group’s assertive social commentaries with “Get Up, Stand Up” coming across as the boldest call to action. While Marley & The Wailers often sought to empower the exploited and eradicate political tensions in their native Jamaica, so many of their treasured tracks have since transformed into global anthems against oppression and injustice.

On a less heavy note, “Three Little Birds” spoke of casting aside life’s many cares and worries, while “Jamming” and “Could You Be Loved” elevated the joyous atmosphere all the more. And no matter what specific attitude the diverse crowd was seeking, The Wailers made sure the wait to get all those who were able back together was most certainly not in vain.

Click here for more photos of The Wailers from the House Of Blues.

For additional information on The Wailers, visit TheWailers.net.

Upcoming concert highlights at the House Of Blues include Led Zeppelin 2 (Jan. 20-21); Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls (Jan. 22-23); Swizzle Steve Showcase (Jan. 27); Dashboard Confessional (Jan. 28); Jacob Sartorius (Jan. 29); Ms. Lauryn Hill (Feb. 6); Pop Evil (Feb. 10); Sixteen Candles (Feb. 11); Tank (Feb. 12); John Vincent’s Sinatra Valentine’s Show (Feb. 14); Tove Lo (Feb. 16); Super Diamond (Feb. 17) and Here Come The Mummies (Feb. 18). For additional details, visit HouseOfBlues.com/Chicago.

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