Aston Barrett, bassist for Bob Marley & The Wailers, dies at 77
Aston Barrett, a bassist for the legendary reggae band Bob Marley & The Wailers, has died. He was 77.
The musician's death was announced by his family on social media Saturday.
His daughter Aiesha Barrett shared on her Instagram account that he passed away just before her birthday.
"Worst birthday ever!" she captioned a photo of herself and her father in a music studio. "... I told you I was coming back to spend my birthday with you. What am I supposed to do now! Why?"
Rolling Stone and the BBC reported that Barrett died Saturday morning after suffering from a "long medical battle," according to his son, Aston Barrett Jr.
His daughter did not specify his cause of death, simply stating he "fought a hard fight."
"Strongest soldier I’ve ever known , my forever hero. I LOVE YOU FOR ETERNITY," she wrote.
A tribute to Barrett, nicknamed "Family Man" or "Fams," was also shared on the verified Bob Marley Instagram account Saturday.
"It is with tears in our hearts and eyes that we share the news from @jr.astonbarrett that his father our beloved friend, musical partner, bredrin Aston Family Man Barrett @famsbass has made the transition from the physical world," the post, featuring a set of photos of Marley and Barrett, read. "Anytime we listen to the music pay close attention to the genius of Fams on the bass."
The post continued: "A pioneer, unique, trendsetter , revolutionary in the musical space and most of all as his name implies a true family man. Condolences to his family. JAH comfort them in this time of grief. The legacy, joy and spirit of Fams lives on. Rastafari."
Barrett Jr. played his father in the upcoming biopic "Bob Marley: One Love," to be released Feb. 14.
The younger Barrett has continued his father's legacy, leading and playing drums for the Wailers, currently on tour. The older Barrett stopped performing in 2018.
Contributing: Mike Snider
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Aston Barrett dead: Bob Marley & The Wailers musician was 77
