A new war is brewing between rival Bob Marley associates Al Anderson and Aston Barrett after the former called his longtime rival a "retard" in a recent interview.
Anderson, who fronts tribute band The Original Wailers, fired off at Barrett in an interview promoting upcoming shows in New Zealand after the longtime The Wailers star criticized him for using Bob Marley's group name to sell tickets.
Anderson, whose band consists of reggae stars who performed and recorded with Marley - but were never officially members of The Wailers, stated, "Family Man is a total let down to the whole reggae world. He is so retarded in his whole world. There is nothing wrong with being retarded if that is the way you are born, but if you let success, fame and money retard you, well then you have a serious problem.
"That guy is someone I worked with for so many years and Bob Marley decided to pass everything over to him to represent the golden 30 years of what Marley stood for. He passed it to the wrong guy."
Family Man has responded via The Wailers' spokeswoman, who says, "Bob Marley's message has always been one of peace, love and hope for all. Bob passed the torch on to Family Man because he recognized his open heart and natural ability to carry on the message of one love. And he's been doing so for the past 40 years and will continue to do so for the rest of his life.
"Family Man has led The Wailers on stage every night, spreading the message as Bob intended. As Bob Marley said, 'If puss and dog can get together, why can't we love one another?'"
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