Thurs 11 Nov, St David’s Hall, Cardiff
words: Stephen Nottingham
Thirty years ago UB40 released their debut album Signing Off. Now they are touring to celebrate the fact. The band retains an impressive number of original members: Astro (rapper), Robin Campbell (guitar), Brian Travers (sax), Norman Hassan (percussion), Jimmy Brown (drums) and Earl Falconer (bass). Original lead singer Ali Campbell has been replaced by his brother Duncan, while three new musicians complete the lineup.
UB40 played Signing Off in its entirety as a first set, along with tracks from the EP that accompanied it in that distinctive yellow Unemployment Benefit Form 40 record sleeve. The songs concern social injustice and racism. Astro pointed to rising unemployment and the BNP to undermine their relevance. Food For Thought and Little By Little were highlights, while the concluding title track was used to introduce the musicians. The band seemed almost apologetic for some of the instrumental fillers such as Reefer Madness – it’s not where their heads are now. However, Signing Off has stood the test of time. It is re-released this month.
After a short break, the band returned and played a rollercoaster sequence of greatest hits. The crowd responded enthusiastically. Stage effects were minimal and no special guests appeared for this venue, but it didn’t matter. UB40 let their music do the talking. It was great to watch the unselfish playing of this collective of musicians, whose polished performance drew on decades of touring. Vocal duties were shared around, between Astro, Duncan Campbell and other band members, including Hassan (who got a cheer for being half-Welsh) and Falconer. The woodwind and guitar playing of Travis and Robin Campbell, respectively, were revealed as key ingredients to the UB40 sound.
The set list reflected UB40’s trajectory from reggae to reggae-tinged pop. They are currently playing it safe. Their latest record Labour of Love 4 is another collection of middle-of-the-road reggae covers. But when Falconer’s bass lays down the groove for one of their earlier hits, you long for them to rediscover their more radical side.