A former member of Bob Marley’s band, The Wailers, has taken his fight for a slice of the reggae great’s royalties to a British courtroom.
Aston Barrett, who was Marley’s bassist for almost a decade, is suing Universal-Island Records Ltd. for $105 million. His lawsuit was also brought on behalf of his deceased brother, Carlton, who played drums in the band.
Barrett claims he is owed royalties from a 1974 contract with Island as well as earnings from songs he co-wrote with Marley, who died of cancer in 1981.
His lawyer, Stephen Bate, argued Thursday at London’s High Court that Aston and his brother were “largely responsible” for providing Marley with a unique sound that brought Jamaican reggae music to an international audience.
The record company tried to have the case thrown out because Barrett had already accepted a settlement.
Marley’s widow, Rita, sat at the back of the court. She may testify during the hearing, which is expected to last up to three weeks.