UB40 USA Tour
Category: Event Calendar
Date and Time for this Past Event
- Sunday, Jul 23, 2023 8pm
Location
Saroyan Theatre
730 M St
Details
Named after a British unemployment benefit form, pop-reggae band UB40 were formed in a welfare line in 1978, and their multiracial lineup reflected the working-class community their members came from. The band consolidated its street credibility with political topics appealing to dissatisfied youth, and got a boost from fans of the waning 2-Tone ska revival movement. Brothers Robin (lead guitar) and Ali Campbell (guitar, lead vocals) formed the centerpiece of the group, along with Earl Falconer, saxophonist Brian Travers, drummer James "Jimmy" Brown, and percussionist Norman Hassan. The group started gigging in 1979, scoring an opening slot with the Pretenders by the end of the year. By 1980, UB40 had added keyboardist Michael (Mickey) Virtue and toaster Terence Wilson (aka Astro) to round out their initial lineup.
