THE UK High Court yesterday ruled against Wailers bassist Aston "Family Man" Barrett in his £60-million claim against the Marley family and their record label.

Barrett was reportedly denied on all 23 points of the suit in a 172-page judgement.

Barrett had claimed the sum on behalf of himself and his late brother Carlton, in respect of contracts from 1974, including copyrights on six songs, and royalties.

But during the trial, Marley's widow, Rita, testified that the late reggae king had not considered the rhythm section to be full members of the band, rather that they were merely session players.

Barrett, who was travelling outside of London yesterday, had apparently not yet been informed about the verdict in the case.

"I haven't done anything wrong. I just don't have any friends in high places like them," he said, in reaction to the news.
The verdict brings to a close a long and bitter fight on the part of the bassist, who insists that he was legitimately contracted to the late reggae king.

If the decision stands, it is likely that Barrett will also stand the legal costs of his opponents.

Leading Marley archivist Roger Steffens, who also spoke by phone to the Observer, said the verdict was a tremendous blow. "For all of us who believed that he had a good shot at this, the verdict is incomprehensible and devastating," Steffens said.

Adding insult to injury, he said, the result came on the 25th anniversary of Marley's passing.

-edwardsm@jamaicaobserver.com

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