After the death of Bob Marley in 1981, the Wailers continued, led by Aston Barrett and Junior Marvin. The band continued to play a heavy worldwide touring schedule, and recorded as backing band with several singers. Carlton "Carly" Barrett, 36, was murdered at his Jamaica home in 1987. In 1989, Aston Barrett formed the Wailers Band, releasing the album I.D., and continued using the Wailers name when collaborating with other artists. Former Wailer Marvin joined in the early 1990s. The duo, along with a varying lineup recorded under several names, including the "Legendary" Wailers, and simply the Wailers,

In 2008 Marvin joined another former Wailer, Al Anderson, in The Original Wailers, leaving in 2011.

In 2014, The Wailers Band embarked on worldwide "Legend Tour", marking the 30th anniversary of the release of the best-selling reggae album of all time.