THE WAILERS

Manchester Academy

IF you’ve ever had a bad day and need an easy pick me up, you can do a lot worse than putting on some brilliant music to make the world seem a better place.

And if there was ever a collection of songs with the power to do just that, look no further than the Legend album – released by Bob Marley and the Wailers in 1984.

How do you make the best-selling reggae album of all-time even better? You play it live of course.

On Friday night, the album was played in its entirety at the Manchester Academy to the delight of the crowd.

It really doesn’t get more iconic than the tunes on this record – Is This Love, Could You Be Loved, Redemption Song, Jamming and No Woman, No Cry to name a few.

I defy anyone to resist getting their dance on at a Wailers gig - my legs were aching the morning after the night before!

The current incarnation of The Wailers bringing the Jamaican vibe to cities across the UK throughout March features founder Aston “Familyman” Barrett, and original Wailers’ band members Junior Marvin and Donald Kinsey.

Their revolutionary sound is as fresh in 2017 as it was decades ago and surely, in these uncertain times, their message - of peace, unity and one love - is more important than ever.

Quality tunes, performed by talented musicians in a great venue. Apart from Bob Marley himself being on stage, there’s not much more you could ask for.