UB40

UB40 is a British reggae/pop band that has been in the industry for over thirty years. Although their membership has changed over the years, they are still touring and entertaining fans around the world. They generally perform in large venues and outdoor festivals.

The entertainment is based on the music and vocals rather than special effects and dance routines. Their opening act is usually a DJ playing classic reggae songs to get the audience dancing and in the mood.

Their current lead singer Duncan Campbell brings a deeper, more soulful tone to the lyrics. UB40 is well-known for its covers as well as its original music. UB40 in concert plays all the old favorites and covers as well as their newer music. They have the sort of show that draws the audience in so that they are dancing and singing along with every song. The audience tends to be a little older these days, but after 15 minutes of singing and dancing, the years seem to melt away for the evening.

UB40 plays for two solid hours. The show is short on the stories and preaching and long on the singing and music. The band is not out there to promote some message or view but to help the audience have a great time. They usually back-load the second half of the show with classics to leave everyone with a good feeling at the end.

British reggae/pop band UB40 now hold an iconic status due to the timeless quality of their music which achieved huge commercial success in the UK during the 80s and 90s. Still touring to date to both the original fans and new converts who enjoy the band's music.

Perhaps looking for an alternative to the grey skies of Birmingham, the group developed a sun drenched sound inspired by the reggae greats including Bob Marley as well as their multi-cultural surrounding which exposed them to a huge variety of music. The influences remain present throughout their discography and now their live show continues to include soulful backing vocalists and a variety of reggae instruments.

The band enjoyed a huge amount of hits during their peak so filtering these into a succinct live show is a feat however they make great decisions with 'Cherry Oh Baby' and 'How Can a Poor Man Stand Such Times and Live?' which both receive big cheers. There is no inclusion of their #1 cover and collaboration with Chrissie Hynde 'I Got You Babe' tonight but this is compensated with a huge singalong to 'Red, Red Wine'. A classic act with a timeless discography of hits.

This was a first time too see them in concert. It was their 40 year anniversary and clearly, they were past their heyday and prime. They did great on doing their big hits like Red Wine or Falling in Love. But at times it felt a bit mechanical, they are great professional but improvisational part was lacking. The singers are good, but a bit out of shape. My wife felt some were not sexy or lacked charisma. They could use some female singers in the mix. The DJ before the main show was O.K. but not great. The waiting time for them to come onstage was 2 hours which is too long for standing room only. Overall, good experience but not great.

Beyond separation of band members and Campbell brothers, you can expect the very best of the new / old UB40 crew : amazing sound close to the one of the studios, amazing similar and tainted voices and this perfect matching of melodies, emotions and instrumental performances which made their worldwide success. Listening to UB40 is like an out of time moment and takes you to a real soul-searching.Everything looks like obvious, smooth and easy-going when you listen to the music these incredible artists just perform in a perfect way because absolutely theirs. To be shared limitless !

Totally agree with this review .. myself & 5 others were totally gutted, after having seen UB40 on tour B4 .. we have always been entertained from start to finish .. The supporting Dj was rubbish (im sure many will agree) in comparison to likes of Maxi Priest.. I felt we had been miss lead in to thinking I was seeing UB40 , Yo find the lead singer out of tune .. Good Try ... but will never pay or recommend ... As was said by a Ex Fan of yours ... It was like Culture Club without Boy George .... UB40 is not UB40 with out Ali Cambell ... What more can be said xx Rant Over

UB40 were fantastic! Got tickets for my stepdads early Xmas present and he is one of their biggest fans. We waited over an hour outside as they were late finishing a meet and greet I heard, but we got standing views right near the front! The stage was great and the lighting and sound awesome for the venue, not to mentioned UB40 being awesome! Only downfall which no one else can help is two lots of two women getting too drunk and ruining it for everyone, one being sick all over the floor and the others trying to start a fight. Overall brill night.

Being an avid UB40 follower since the late 70s,i was surprised that they were actually coming to my now home town of Colchester in 2019. I do like these smaller gigs as they seem more personal to you as a big fan.Thats how i started out following them with my first concert being held at the then Brixton Academy with the fabulous Simply Red making their first debut as their support act. I love both groups which means two concerts instead of one to go to enjoy their music and the lively friendly crowds that follow UB40.

A pale shadow of their former selves. Steel Pulse (support) completely outclassed the now mediocre-at-best UB40. This view evidently shared by the many who left after the first 3 or 4 numbers.
I was also disappointed that the door system was so inefficient that we missed the first 10 minutes of Steel Pulse. When you pay good money for a show, I don't expect to miss any of it because i'm waiting outside the venue, which only had one set of doors open and punters waiting. Amateur Hour O2 Academy!

We left within an hour. Very disappointed that we got tickets for the UB40 without Ali Campbell. Apparently there are two UB40's....
This UB40 is technically ok, but misses the vibe. They sound like a coverband you get at a wedding. Too smooth, no edge, lak nog energy, don't seem to have fun at what they're doing and not able to get the crowd going. And Duncan sings allright, but misses a distinctive sound.

The show started on 21:10 although the warming singer finished on20:20 so- he didn’t warn us!.....
The ub40 concert was great although I think I’d rather less 4 songs - 2 new ones and 2 of the bassist.....and preffer more 4 of the all times best!
All in all- great show
I love ub40!!!