UB40 put on a Christmas Concert and Afterparty for Loyal Fans

UB40 put on a Christmas Concert and VIP Afterparty for Loyal Fans

Although the tour does not officially begin until March 2019, this Christmas Concert felt like the first date of the tour; with a huge 22 song set, featuring the expected favourites such as “Red Red Wine” and “Don’t Break My Heart” and “Cheerio Baby”.

Afterparty

In addition to the concert a considerable number of loyal fans were invited to a VIP Afterparty where they were served U Beer 40, a new beer named in their honour, took selfies with and mingled with the band.

We told Robin that it has been an excellent concert he said “It’s all because of these lot (pointing at the fans around the room) they turn up to every single gig, year after year”. Various members of the band mingled comfortably with fans, friends and colleagues for a few hours after the gig. It looked much more like a group of friends, rather than so many fans in the room. Maybe this is their testament of a 40 year career.

One fan commented as he shook Robin’s hand “This is to the next 40 years” to which Robin replied “Oh I don’t know about that, maybe it’s more like 10”!

Who is the real UB40?

As great as the concert and afterparty was for all who were there, sadly the current cloud that lurks over the band is never far from any thoughts about the band. Who is the real UB40? Is it one of the two bands or both?

From speaking to various fans it is clear there are still two firm camps, with very few sitting on the fence. Those who believe it is not UB40 without the unique voice of Ali Campbell (so that would be UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey Virtue) and those that believe that the group is more than just Ali: so the band with the most original members (which is the group with Robin Campbell) is the real UB40. What is your verdict?