© Dead Sexy Carl / Rockhal
UB40’s concert at Rockhal in Luxembourg on Tuesday night was a memorable celebration of reggae, ska, and the band’s timeless classics. Today Radio's Stephen Steps Lowe was there and discovered that there are more of them than you think (he thought)
Let's get the obvious out of the way, I DJ-ed for an hour before the band took to the stage. The crowd was lively even at this point and the folks in the bustling Club seemed ready to get some grooves piped directly into their souls.
My set was a mix of genres and generations, and save one misstep (curse you Finley Quaye) went down well (though being centre stage was daunting, I had my trusty JAWS hat to hide behind). But let's be honest, I was merely filling time / (un)intentionally sending folk to the bar, before UB40's 11-strong band hit the stage at just after 9pm.
The British group, famed for their distinctive sound and numerous chart-topping hits (so, so many), delivered a lively and high-energy performance that had the audience dancing from start to finish. If you've caught my interview with Robin Campbell, you'll know that he and the band are NOT just there to play the hits, they've deep-cuts and plenty for hardcore fans to get their teeth into. But with Jimmy Brown on drums Norman Hassan on vocals and percussion, three brass musicians, and with Matt Doyle's vocals hitting all four walls, this was a party vibe that really left its mark.
Opening the show with some of their most beloved tracks (though they saved the big-hitters for further down the set list), UB40 immediately set the tone for a night of rhythmic beats and smooth, soulful melodies.
The band’s signature fusion of reggae rhythms with a laid-back vibe instantly resonated with a crowd, who either had a lot of toilet roll on their shoes, or were ready to dance the night away.
Drawing fans of all ages who knew every word to songs like One In Ten, Home, Bring Me Your Cup and, of course Food for Thought, the lively atmosphere at Rockhal was a testament to the band's enduring appeal, as their timeless hits continue to bring people together.
Lead vocalist Duncan Campbell was forced to leave the band in 2021 due to health issues, he had taken up the mantle in place of his brother Ali Campbell - who had previously left for reasons well documented, and up stepped Matt Doyle, vocalist with KIOKO a band with whom UB40 collaborated on the 2021 album Bigga Baggariddim. Doyle proved to be an engaging front man, kitted out with suit jacket, shades and a wicked voice, effortlessly filling the role with his powerful tone and charismatic presence. Gilly G acted as hype man, dropping in with some cool AF ragga and crowd interaction, and carrying it all off with just the right whiff of aloof cool.
The band’s musicianship remained similarly top-notch, with tight brass sections and a rhythm section that effortlessly carried the audience through the night. The signature horns and melodic grooves were in full force, delivering a sound that was both authentic and fresh, staying true to the band's roots while adding a modern flair. It even prompted a friend of mine to proclaim that they would "give Springsteen's E-Street Band a run for their money".
Of course, there were calls for Red, Red Wine at every possible turn, Robin Campbell requesting patience at each occasion, and the legendary musician scattered his classic Brit wit throughout, in his trademark Brummie lilt, though a barb thrown at Trump voters was met with some murmurs. There were numerous cuts from recent LP UB45 of course, a reference to this being the band's 45th year in action. There were covers too (not just the obvious ones), Al Green, The Chi-Lites and Winston Groovy.
© Dead Sexy Carl / Rockhal
UB40’s set was a well-balanced mix of their greatest hits and some newer material, as the night went on, the energy only intensified, with fans dancing and singing along. The principle performance ended with Red, Red Wine, prompting a mass singalong as the crowd was bathed in, well, yeah, red light.
The karaoke stylings reached a fever pitch during the encore, with the band delivering electrifying versions of Food For Thought / Forever True, Kingston Town and (I Can't Help) Falling in Love With You before the punters spilled out into the cool Belval air.
For those who have been following UB40’s career since their early days, or newcomers to their music, this concert was a fantastic reminder of why the band has remained a reggae and pop institution for decades - I for one did not expect to enjoy it quite as much as I did.
And that's down to what Robin readily identifies as one of the key reasons UB40 endure to this day, the band enjoy playing to fans immensely, and it shows.
What. A. Gig.
