UB40 – Live in Sydney at the Hordern Pavilion on 16 October 2024 – By eLanka
UB40 delivered an unforgettable performance, treating a packed crowd at Sydney’s Hordern Pavilion to hit after hit on October 16, 2024. Keep reading to discover more about these legendary musicians!
UB40, a British reggae and pop band formed in 1978, is known for its global success with hits like “Red Red Wine,” “Kingston Town,” and “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You.” The band’s name comes from the UK’s unemployment benefit form, “Unemployment Benefit, Form 40,” reflecting their working-class roots. UB40 became one of the most successful reggae bands, blending reggae with pop influences and selling over 70 million records worldwide.
The band is currently led by Robin Campbell, one of the founding members and co-lead vocalist. Robin stepped into a leadership role after his brother Ali Campbell, the original lead vocalist, left the band in 2008 due to disagreements. Under Robin’s leadership, UB40 has continued to tour and release music, maintaining the band’s legacy.
Today, UB40’s lineup includes several original members: Jimmy Brown (drums), Earl Falconer (bass and vocals), and Norman Hassan (percussion, trombone, and vocals), along with newer members like Matt Doyle (lead vocals), who joined in 2021. Supporting musicians include Martin Meredith (saxophone, keyboards), Laurence Parry (trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone), Ian Thompson (saxophone, keyboards), and Jahred Gordon (keyboards, guitar, bass). Robin’s son, Matt Campbell, also performs as a backing vocalist, adding a familial connection to the band.
Robin’s UB40 continues to tour internationally, celebrating the band’s iconic sound and enduring influence on reggae music.
Here is the full list of the current UB40 band members, led by Robin Campbell, along with their respective roles and instruments, including backing vocalists:
- Robin Campbell – Co-lead vocals and guitar (founding member)
- Matt Doyle – Lead vocals (joined in 2021, replacing Duncan Campbell)
- Jimmy Brown – Drums (founding member)
- Earl Falconer – Bass and vocals (founding member)
- Norman Hassan – Percussion, trombone, and vocals (founding member)
Supporting Musicians:
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- Martin Meredith – Saxophone, keyboards, and WX7 (joined in the 1990s)
- Laurence Parry – Trumpet, flugelhorn, and trombone (joined in the 1990s)
- Ian Thompson – Saxophone, keyboards, and percussion (joined in 2019)
- Jahred Gordon – Keyboards, guitar, bass, and saxophone (joined in 2023)
Backing Vocalists:
- Matt Campbell – Backing vocals (Robin Campbell’s son)
- Gilly G – MC and vocals (a regular guest performer)
This lineup reflects the current members of UB40, who continue to tour and perform under Robin Campbell’s leadership
Here are some of UB40’s biggest hits along with their UK chart positions and release years:
- “Red Red Wine” (1983)
- UK Chart Position: #1
- UB40’s reggae cover of Neil Diamond’s song became one of their most iconic tracks and topped the UK Singles Chart in 1983. It also reached #1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 in 1988 after a re-release.
- “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You” (1993)
- UK Chart Position: #1
- This cover of Elvis Presley’s classic was a major hit, reaching #1 in both the UK and the US. It became one of UB40’s best-known songs worldwide.
- “Kingston Town” (1990)
- UK Chart Position: #4
- Originally recorded by Lord Creator, UB40’s version became a big hit, reaching the UK top 5.
- “Food for Thought” (1980)
- UK Chart Position: #4
- UB40’s debut single, a politically charged song about famine, was their first major chart success, reaching the top 10 in the UK.
- “One in Ten” (1981)
- UK Chart Position: #7
- Another politically conscious track, this song reflected on unemployment in the UK and became a top 10 hit.
- “Cherry Oh Baby” (1983)
- UK Chart Position: #12
- A cover of Eric Donaldson’s reggae classic, UB40’s version was a hit and solidified their reputation for popular reggae covers.
- “Homely Girl” (1989)
- UK Chart Position: #6
- This cover of the Chi-Lites’ soul song was another successful release from their Labour of Love II album.
- “Rat in Mi Kitchen” (1986)
- UK Chart Position: #12
- A playful track that became a fan favorite, reaching the top 20 in the UK.
- “Higher Ground” (1993)
- UK Chart Position: #8
- A successful single from their Promises and Lies album, reaching the UK top 10.
- “The Way You Do The Things You Do” (1989)
- UK Chart Position: #6
- A cover of the Temptations’ hit, this track was a part of UB40’s Labour of Love II album and performed well in the UK charts.
These hits, especially their reggae covers of popular songs, helped UB40 become one of the most successful reggae bands in the world, known for their unique blend of reggae, pop, and political commentary.
