レゲエ歌手 Bunny Wailer（バニー・ウェイラー）が逝去、享年73歳。Bob Marley、Peter Toshらと共にTHE WAILERSオリジナル・メンバーとして活躍

レゲエ歌手 Bunny Wailerが3月2日に亡くなったことが明らかになった。享年73歳。

Bunny Wailerは1947年、ジャマイカのキングストン生まれ。幼なじみであるBob Marleyや、Peter Toshらと共にTHE WAILERSを結成し、“Stir It Up”、“Get Up, Stand Up”といったヒット曲を輩出した。THE WAILERS脱退後はソロ・ミュージシャンとして活動。90年代にはグラミー賞の最優秀レゲエ・アルバムを3度受賞した。

なお、Bob Marleyは1981年にがんで逝去、Peter Toshは1987年に殺害されており、Bunny WailerはTHE WAILERSの結成メンバーの中で唯一の存命のメンバーだった。

訃報に際して、ジャマイカの首相であるAndrew HolnessはSNSにて追悼の意を表明した。

(1/5) My deep condolences to the family, friends and fans of legendary Reggae artiste, Neville Livingston, also known as Bunny Wailer, JahB. pic.twitter.com/gPiMZOPEt0

— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) March 2, 2021

また、SNSではBunny Wailerへ多くの追悼のコメントが寄せられている。

Rest in Power, Bunny Wailer (AKA Neville O'Riley Livingston). A true Reggae icon and Jamaican legend, a brother, a father, an uncle, a friend. Bunny played alongside Peter Tosh and Bob Marley in the most influential Reggae group of all time, The Wailers... pic.twitter.com/WMBQlnjEbC

— Peter Tosh (@PeterTosh) March 2, 2021

Sending love to the Livingston family as Bunny Wailer makes his transition. A founding member of The Wailers and a reggae icon in his own right, he will be missed but not forgotten. “Live for yourself & you will live in vain—live for others, you will live again.” Rest in power pic.twitter.com/4gi38yLmiu

— Bob Marley (@bobmarley) March 2, 2021

The world has lost a LEGEND in Bunny Wailer. Born Neville Livingston, he was the last surviving member of The Wailers that was formed in 1963 and shot to global acclaim.

My condolences to his family, friends and all reggae fans worldwide!

Fare thee well Maestro! pic.twitter.com/MDTLZLTe3x

— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) March 2, 2021

Today, #IslandRecords mourns Reggae icon, Bunny Wailer. A founding member of #TheWailers group with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, Bunny was instrumental in creating many of the reggae harmonies we know and love today.

Rest In Peace. Gone But Never Forgotten. #BunnyWailer pic.twitter.com/IUk4eUdkZ7

— Island Records (@IslandRecords) March 2, 2021

RIP Neville O'Riley Livingston, better known as Bunny Wailer. Jamaican singer songwriter and percussionist. He was an original member of reggae group The Wailers along with Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. pic.twitter.com/kIBTyWojc6

— VP Records (@VPRecords) March 2, 2021

RIP, Bunny Wailer. One of reggae’s most important voices and a founding member of The Wailers pic.twitter.com/j9ltETyOKM

— Island Records (@islandrecordsuk) March 2, 2021

心よりご冥福をお祈りいたします。