Bob Marley's original band, The Wailers, return to Australia in 2026 as part of the group's 50th anniversary celebrations of their seminal album 'Rastaman Vibration'.
Set to play three concerts at Bluesfest, the 50 Years Of Positive Vibrations tour will also visit Melbourne and Sydney this April honouring an album that produced such iconic reggae hits like 'Roots, Rock, Reggae', 'Positive Vibration', 'Who The Cap Fit', 'Crazy Baldhead', 'Rat Race' and 'War'.
This special anniversary tour highlights select cuts from 'Rastaman Vibration', alongside the timeless Wailers anthems that continue to unite generations through music.
"In 2026, The Wailers hit the road celebrating 50 years of Positive Vibrations 🎶🇯🇲," the band posted.
"This tour marks the 50th anniversary of 'Rastaman Vibration' – the landmark 1976 album by Bob Marley & The Wailers that helped carry reggae music to the world 🌍. Positive vibrations continue ✨☀️."
First released in 1976, 'Rastaman Vibration' was a defining moment in global music, carrying reggae's message of resistance, spirituality and hope onto the world stage. Nearly five decades on, its songs remain as urgent and resonant as ever.
"The Wailers are among the most loved and important artists in Bluesfest history," Peter Noble OAM, Festival Director, says.
"They are the original band that stood behind Bob Marley and later came together again with a clear purpose to ensure his music would continue to be played live, properly and with meaning.
"Seven years after Bob Marley's passing, The Wailers reformed to protect the integrity of his music and carry its message forward. As the original members passed on, they did something deeply significant.
"They taught their sons and a new generation of musicians who truly revere Bob Marley how to play this music with authenticity, respect and a deep understanding of what it stands for.
"When Bob Marley knew his time on this planet was coming to an end, he asked his bandleader Family Man Barrett to make him a solemn promise that his music would continue to be played live for as long as possible.
"That responsibility was carried by Family Man, the legendary bandleader of Bob Marley & The Wailers, a founding member, songwriter and producer on many of their recordings, right up until his passing in 2024.
"What makes this moment so important is that Family Man also trained the next generation to carry that legacy forward, including his son, Aston Barrett Jr., who now leads The Wailers.
"This is not a tribute and it is not a cheap imitation. This is Bob Marley's music played properly, taught by members of The Wailers themselves and passed on to musicians who deeply care about both the music and its message."
The Bluesfest shows will be split into three distinct sets. The Legend set will feature all songs from the landmark compilation album. Natural Mystic will select songs from the album, alongside classic Legend hits. Before Rastaman Vibration / Positive Vibrations feature songs from 'Rastaman Vibration' paired with essential legend anthems.
Tickets to Bluesfest are on sale. Tickets to the Melbourne and Sydney concerts on sale from 11am AEDT on 22 January.
The Wailers 2026 Tour Dates
Wed 1 Apr - 170 Russell (Melbourne)
Thu 2 Apr - Metro Theatre (Sydney)
Fri 3 Apr - Bluesfest (Byron Bay)
Sat 4 Apr - Bluesfest (Byron Bay)
Sun 5 Apr - Bluesfest (Byron Bay)
