After the breakup of the Wailers in 1974, Chris Blackwell of Island Records decided to market Bob Marley as a rock band and the name was changed to Bob Marley & The Wailers, under which name Marley continued recording until his death in 1981. His new backing band included brothers Carlton and Aston 'Family Man' Barrett on drums and bass respectively, Junior Marvin and Al Anderson on lead guitar, Tyrone Downie and Earl 'Wya' Lindo on keyboards, and Alvin 'Seeco' Patterson on percussion. The I-Threes, consisting of Judy Mowatt, Marcia Griffiths and Rita Marley, provided backing vocals.

After Marley's death, the band continued under the leadership of Marvin and Aston Barrett.

The Wailers Band continues to play live concerts. The current lineup includes Marvin on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Anderson on lead guitar, Aston Barrett on bass, Keith Sterling on keyboards, Drummie Zeb on drums and Marcia Griffiths (aka Wailers Sister) on background vocals.