Manager of the Wailers, Aston Barrett Jr, has sought to clarify the circumstances surrounding former lead singer, Joshua David Barrett's sudden departure from the band. Speaking with host, Shaun Cain, on the Star Gazing with Shaun Cain Show on Sunday, 22nd August, he initially tried to downplay there was tension between Joshua and the band, saying the singer just wanted to move on. However, later in the show, he confirmed that Barrett has left the band amid criticisms of his singing.
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| Joshua David Barrett. |
Joshua, who opened for the Wailers at one of their concerts in 2012, has sung with the band on tours to Europe, North and South America and other parts of the world after joining in 2015.
The Wailers' manager pointed out that a few of the longer serving members had told Joshua that he needed to sing differently.
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| Aston Barrett Jr on the Star Gazing with Shaun Cain Show. |
However, the drummer and guitarist admitted that the tone of the criticism was too strong. He argued that the group's former front man should not have been expected to sound like his predecessor, Bob Marley.
Barrett Jr, who took over the band after his father, Aston 'family Man' Barrett, retired due to ill-health, revealed that Joshua did not take kingly to the comments. As a result, his relationship with some members became strained and he, subsequently, felt his position was untenable.
A disclaimer that Joshua wrote on his Facebook page prompted suspicions that all was not well between himself and the Wailers.
The American born singer's Facebook statement read: "contrary to this advertisement, Joshua David Barrett will not be performing on this version of the wailers." The announcement was made in response to a poster that appeared below his disclaimer on the platform with the caption, "Tickets on sale for the Wailers on Saturday, September 11." Joshua's photograph was included alongside the other members of the Wailers.
An analysis of Joshua's narrative seems to indicate that the poster was released without any consultation with Joshua. After the singer saw the advertisement, he instantly distanced himself from it on the social media platform.
As the fall-out continues to unfold, Barrett Jr reflected on Joshua's association with the band and paid tribute to the singer on the Star Gazing with Shaun Cain Show. The head of the Wailers pointed out that Joshua David Barrett has served the Wailers with distinction. He has emphasised that the singer has done a lot of work representing the band and sharing its core message of peace, love and unity.
Our efforts to reach Joshua for a comment have not been successful.
Meanwhile, the Wailers head has hinted that there could a collaboration with Cuban-American international pop singer, Gloria Estafan of "Rhythm's Gonna Get You" fame.
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| Gloria Estefan and husband, Emilio. |
The drummer and guitarist told the Star Gazing Show, that the band has selected Estefan's husband, Emilio, to co-produce their next album. They met with the former Miami Sound Machine musician on Thursday, 19th August, to work out the details of the production arrangements.
Emilio Estefan produced "One World - One Prayer", which received a Grammy nomination at the last Awards. The band was edged out by the late Toots Hibbert, who passed away recently.
Watch Aston Barrett Jr's interview in this edition of the Star Gazing with Shaun Cain show. Click the picture below.
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