Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Wednesday 20 November 2024, The Gov, Adelaide, SA
A warm night in Adelaide, November 20, 2024, and The Gov in Adelaide was the place to be. The OG Wailers were in town and they graced us with the legendary sounds of their reggae. They delivered an evening rich with rhythms, timeless classics and some important story-telling.
A Night of Reggae Reverence
The Original Wailers, led by the esteemed guitarist Al Anderson, brought to life the enduring hits of Bob Marley & The Wailers. The setlist was a journey through reggae history and broken up into different eras of the band line-up, featuring iconic tracks such as ‘Is This Love’, ‘Could You Be Loved’, ‘Three Little Birds’, ‘One Love’, ‘No Woman No Cry’, ‘Get Up, Stand Up’, ‘Buffalo Soldier’, ‘I Shot The Sheriff’, ‘Jamming’ and ‘Redemption Song’. It was iconic and it was timeless.
The Elovaters Set The Stage
Opening the night were The Elovaters, a reggae band from Boston, USA. These guys are good – their energy is effortless and totally engaging. Their latest album, 2023’s Endless Summer, got a nod with a few tracks served up from it, and we also got their hits. Jackson Wetherbee as the front man on vocals and rhythm guitar is both charismatic and full of reggae’s passion. Their strong performance set an upbeat tone, fluidly blending their unique style with the classic reggae vibes that would follow. And, fingers crossed, they’re back soon for a headline show of their own. The audience loved them.
A Tribute to Bob Marley’s Legacy
Throughout the evening, The Original Wailers honoured Bob Marley’s legacy, not just through their music but also by embodying his messages of love and unity. The audience was invited to sing along, clap hands, hug and share in the collective joy that reggae music inspires. The entire crew on stage are brilliant… Chet Samuel (Lead Vocals / Guitar), Omar Lopez (Bass Guitar), Paapa Nyarkoh (Drums), and Adrian AK Cisneros (Keyboards and Organ). They are masters in their musicianship. And it is pure joy to experience Al Anderson, the original. He has an energy that permits only love and unity. And, he plays a mean lead guitar role.
A Memorable Experience
The night was more than a music performance; it was a celebration of reggae’s rich heritage. The Gov always provides a welcoming setting, and intimate, allowing fans to connect deeply with the music and the artists. The Original Wailers’ dedication to preserving and sharing Bob Marley’s music ensured that his spirit continues to uplift and inspire audiences worldwide. They expressed their love of Australia as they spoke of all the years they have been touring our country. It was mutual love and respect.
For us punters who attended (and we were large in numbers), it was an unforgettable night of music and unity, a freaking, jammin’ testament to the enduring power of reggae. My guess is they’ll be back in 2025, ensure you get a ticket.
Stars?… Super easy:
Plus check out my Interview with Al Anderson here!
And then, get onto one of their latest songs on YouTube: Song Of The Divine – I love this track. Especially with the video being shot in my favourite place on Earth, Bali.
