Reggae, Rain and Raucous Applause
What an amazing concert in the music capital of the world, with fans old and new dancing the night away!
Following impressive support sets from ASWAD and then Maxi Priest, both of whom whipped the crowd into a fever pitch, British reggae legends UB40 walked onto the stage to a raucous cheer and immediately launched into a selection of their classic hits. They were on fire throughout the entire two-hour-and-fifteen-minute performance.
The band interspersed their biggest hits with cover versions and newer material fronted by Matt Doyle, who took over lead vocal duties following the band’s acrimonious and much-publicised split from Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue. Over the last five years, Matt has proved to be an excellent choice as successor. Rather than attempting to imitate Ali, he brings a similar warmth while retaining a distinctive reggae tone and stage presence of his own.
What is truly special about this band is the audience it attracts. Looking around the venue, there was a genuine mix of ages: young fans, audience members in their seventies and beyond, and everything in between. Everywhere you looked, people were having a great time, whether with friends, partners or family. People danced on the ground floor, in front of their seats and even up in the boxes. It was British concert-going spirit at its very best.
After more than 45 years in the music business, over 40 million record sales worldwide and a reputation as one of Britain’s most influential and enduring bands, it is no surprise that the crowd sang back every lyric loudly and enthusiastically.
UB40 is a bucket-list band that everyone should see at least once—preferably more than once—in their lifetime. The show delivers classic reggae anthems alongside outstanding performances from an exceptionally talented ensemble of percussionists, string players and wind musicians. Check Ticketmaster for upcoming dates across the UK and internationally as part of the band’s 2026 tour.
The live screening of Dirty Dancing with full band at The Philharmonic Hall made for a wonderful summer’s night of uplifting music
In choosing to depict Vincent Van Gogh from the perspective of bereaved younger brother Theo, writer-actor Joseph Winder has created a play
Rating: ★★★★★An outstanding piece of musical theatre Emma Rice has superbly adapted and directed Enid Blyton’s much-loved classic Malory Towers, delivering this
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.
