The Wailers will inject some island ‘riddems’ into the Fox tomorrow night when they open for O.A.R.

The group is led by legendary reggae bassist Aston “Family Man” Barrett, the lone original member. Marley’s current replacement? Elan Atias, a young Los Angeles native of Israeli, Moroccan and Native American descent. By all accounts, Atias unflinchingly delivers rousing versions of the classics.

I saw this band at Lollapalooza back in 2007. I was skeptical of seeing a Marley-less Wailers as we walked up to the side stage that day. However, I soon joined the sea of dancing fans under the baking sun. It was all positive vibrations as the show came across as a jubilant celebration of Marley’s legacy.

I reached Family Man recently by phone.

RC: How have you handled the rigorous touring?
FM: It’s my kind of thing - it’s how I survive. Been doing it from 1969 until now.
RC: How did you and Bob Marley meet?
FM: We were in the music business together. He had heard of my new concept of (guitar) playing in the mid-1960s and he got in touch with me in Kingston. He was surprised to learn that I was the same Family Man who was the one playing all those bass lines he was hearing. He said, ‘You’re the right person, then,’ and I was on the road with him from 1972 until he passed.
RC: And you taught Marley guitar?
FM: Yes, he was just a singer and over the years he wanted something else to help deliver his message. I would teach him some chords so he can handle himself. (Peter) Tosh was still the lead.
RC: Was there any thought of disbanding after Marley died in 1981?
FM: Yes, there was a down feeling for a while, but we decided to pull ourselves together and move on. Up to this day we have been through a lot of different stages.
RC: Will you be playing Exodus in full on this tour?
FM: Yeah … Movement of Jah People!

O.A.R. with The Wailers
8 pm Wed., Fox Theatre, $35

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