Bunny Wailer dies aged 73
BUNNY Wailer has died aged 73.
The legendary reggae singer, who performed in The Wailers alongside reggae icon Bob Marley, has passed away in hospital after suffering a stroke last year.
His death was confirmed by his manager Maxine Stowe, as well as Jamaica’s Culture Minister, Olivia Grange. In a statement, Grange said: “At the request of the family, I announce with deepest sadness, the passing of patriarch, brother, friend and Jamaican music icon, the great Bunny Wailer. Bunny Wailer, whose given name is Neville O’Riley Livingstone, passed away at 9am today (Tuesday) at Andrew’s Memorial Hospital in Kingston. We mourn the passing of this outstanding singer, songwriter and percussionist and celebrate his life and many accomplishments.
“We remember with great pride how Bunny, Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, took reggae music to the four corners of the earth. Today, the last surviving Wailer has passed. His son Abijah said to me this morning that 'Bunny Wailer cannot die, he has transitioned.
“What Bunny Wailer has done for reggae, as one of the pioneers … lives on. Let us hold dear Bunny’s music, his memory and his family.”
Bunny won three Grammys and had also been honoured with Jamaica’s Order Of Merit, which he was given in 2017.
Shaggy led tributes to Wailer. The 52-year-old Kingston-born star declared the death of the singer as “one of the lowest moments in the history of our culture”.
He wrote on Instagram: “Bunny Livingston aka: Bunny Wailer founding member and sole survivor of the Wailers’ trio is no longer with us. This is a great loss for reggae and the Jamaican people and reggae fans around the world. You have made us proud king, rest well. Condolences to the family.”
Busta Rhymes was also among those to honour Bunny.
Alongside a picture of the late music legend, the 48-year-old Jamaican-American hip-hop star wrote on Instagram: “Rest well … to the Icon & legend Bunny Wailer.”