When The Wailers arrive in Cardiff this December, it will not just be another stop on their worldwide tour. For Aston Barrett Jr, bandleader, Grammy nominee and son of the legendary bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett, it feels like a homecoming.
![Bodybasix](https://itsoncardiff.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/BodyBasix.jpg")
Speaking to It’s On Cardiff, Aston shared that the Barrett family roots stretch further into Wales than many fans might expect. “From what my father told me, some of our ancestors came from Wales,” he said. “So we definitely have relations from that side as well.”
And then there is the music. The United Kingdom’s bond with reggae is deep, and Aston knows it. England was the first place his father found recognition before joining Bob Marley, back when he played with the Upsetters and the Hippie Boys. “England was the first stepping place for reggae to be known internationally,” he said. “My father always loved England, and I love it too.”
That makes the fortieth anniversary Legend tour feel even more rooted here. Many of the tracks on Marley’s most famous record hold strong ties to the United Kingdom. “Satisfy My Soul, One Love, Three Little Birds, they were recorded in England,” Aston explained. “In 1976, when they had to go into exile, they finally found peace there. You can hear that energy in the music.”
Cardiff itself also sits proudly in Wailers history. Marley’s only known Welsh gig took place at Ninian Park, just down the road from today’s Tramshed. Fans heading to the December show might find themselves standing among people who were at that 1976 performance. “That warms my heart,” Aston said when told of the connection.
The conversation moved to the United Kingdom’s modern reggae scene, and Aston was quick to praise both icons and rising stars. Steel Pulse, Aswad and Mad Professor are long time favourites, but he is excited by the new wave too. “There are many young artists I am hearing and loving,” he said. “I would love to work with more United Kingdom reggae artists. They are preserving the roots even while experimenting.”
When asked about balancing his father’s legacy with his own path, Aston spoke with warmth. Touring alongside Family Man gave him a foundation he still leans on. “It is the same work,” he said. “Unity, bringing people together, reminding them we are all human.”
He sees his role the way his father once did: as part of a continuum. “My father was speaking through the bass lines, melodic, like singing. I am doing the same work now, keeping the music alive.”
And what can fans expect when The Wailers hit Cardiff on 3 December?
“New mantras,” he said. “Peace, love and unity. The closest thing to when Bob Marley and my father were here. People who watch the old videos and say, I wish I was there, they will get that same essence.”
As we wrapped up, Aston reflected on the wider purpose of their music. “We have to live what we preach,” he said. “We are chosen to keep balance in the earth, in our own way. Music shapes us as much as we shape it.”
Before signing off, he added that he hopes to explore the city while he is here. “We want to walk around and see some stuff. I hear there is a fiery spirit in Wales,” he laughed. “So we are ready for that.”
The Wailers bring the Legend anniversary tour to the Tramshed on 3 December 2025. Expect joy, unity and a rare chance to stand in the same Cardiff air where Marley once played. Tickets are already moving fast.
