Tributes paid to reggae legend Bunny Wailer, who has died aged 73

Grammy Award-winning reggae icon Bunny Wailer, also known as Neville O'Riley Livingston, has died, aged 73. The musician, from Kingston in Jamaica, was the last surviving founding member of The Wailers – following the deaths of Bob Marley in 1981 and Peter Tosh in 1987.

Wailer, who received Jamaica's Order Of Merit in 2017, had been in hospital since having a stroke in July 2020.

Countless fans, collaborators and friends of Wailer have paid tribute to the reggae legend following news of his death yesterday.

Andrew Holness, the Prime Minister of Jamaica, noted that Wailer's "contribution to Jamaica culture is priceless and his voice has touched many around the globe."

(2/2) His contribution to Jamaican culture is priceless and his voice has touched many around the globe. We will treasure his rich legacy.

— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) March 2, 2021

Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister of Kenya, described Wailer as a "legend" and "maestro".

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

Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist Flea called him "a true rocker and noble man."

Oh man, god bless Bunny Wailer. What a true rocker and noble man. I love him. https://t.co/vlofHmY4ZO

— Flea (@flea333) March 2, 2021

See more tributes to Bunny Wailer below:

RIP Bunny Wailer truly an iconic figure and music maestro who’s solo career resulted in one of the most brilliant and inspiring albums in the entire Reggae lexicon...’Blackheart Man’. His contribution to Jamaican music across the past 60 years is immeasurable. pic.twitter.com/TELnet19mz

— David Rodigan (@DavidRodigan) March 2, 2021

Rest in Peace Bunny Wailer — founding and last living member of the Wailers. pic.twitter.com/x6Z6CSGD76

— TIDAL (@TIDAL) March 2, 2021

Reggae maestro Bunny Wailer has rested. Fare the well legend. You were a great gift to the world. Your legacy lives forever. pic.twitter.com/Ltg61UtsKa

— Millicent Omanga (@MillicentOmanga) March 2, 2021

Spinning this for the last of The Wailers.

Sail on #BunnyWailer pic.twitter.com/OZxoIx3APN

— Pat Carty (@Pat_Carty) March 2, 2021

RIP the great Bunny Wailer. A lot of obituaries will focus on his work with Bob Marley, but his solo stuff is really great. https://t.co/VgrV3YqCxF (particularly this whole album).

— Sinéad Gleeson (@sineadgleeson) March 2, 2021