What an amazing concert in a superb venue that had fans, old and new, dancing the night away! Arriving at the historic outdoor venue with its magnificent yellow Yorkshire stone was not only impressive, but Cuffe & Taylor and Rhodes Media had organized the event in a meticulous fashion. British reggae legends UB40, featuring Ali Campbell, were one of twenty-two artists/bands in a sensational summer line-up of headliners for Live at The Piece Hall 2023. Plentiful parking, including disability spaces, situated close to the venue, along with swift and organized security checks upon entering, ensured a stress-free start to the night. This was combined with their box office, painted orange, therefore easy to spot, even for me. The staff inside were super friendly and helpful too. I had previously telephoned, asking if, due to the heavy rain and amber weather warning, the concert was still going ahead before we set off from Liverpool. The lady took my number and promised to ring should a decision to postpone/cancel the concert be made en route, and we could turn back. Amazing customer service! With press/guest tickets collected, we entered an electric atmosphere despite the ongoing deluge of rain. Plenty of waterproof ponchos were available to buy along with many bars and food outlets.
The reggae roast was in full swing, with the MCs hyping the crowd and singing many classic and pop songs with a reggae slant. The weather desperately tried but failed to dampen the spirits of the concert-goers as the music ensured everyone was in a party atmosphere. Everywhere you looked, you saw people having a good time, either with friends or as couples. People danced in the rain on the ground floor, danced on the steps, and danced on the VIP balconies. True British spirit!
This was a sold-out outdoor concert in an enclosed quadrangle, giving the potential for trouble. However, the many ‘high vis’ security staff pleasantly mingled with the crowds, anticipating issues that were very few. They adeptly dealt with the odd few drunken skirmishes professionally and swiftly, enabling the carnival atmosphere to carry on.
The MCs hyped the crowd to fever pitch, ready for UB40 to enter the stage. Ali Campbell had the loudest cheer of all, immediately bursting into a medley of their classic tracks, along with some cover songs, a few new songs, and their all-time anthems. After 30 years in the music business, having clocked up more than 40 million record sales with fans worldwide, and regarded as one of the most important and influential British bands of the last 50 years, it is no wonder the crowd chanted back the lyrics to their songs… loudly and enthusiastically! This is a bucket-list band that everyone must see at least once during their lifetime, as it features Ali Campbell, the true voice of UB40, but also has fantastically talented percussion, strings, and wind musicians.
Setlist:
For future tickets at this amazing venue, please contact The Piece Hall, Blackledge, Halifax HX1 1RE by telephone or email at: 01422 525 200 or info@thepiecehall.co.uk.
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The Broken Spine is a poetry and arts collective proudly published on the coastal edge of North-West England. Founded in 2019 by Alan Parry and Paul Robert Mullen – two school friends reunited after twenty years through a mutual love of poetry.
