WORDS AND IMAGES: MANUEL GAY | Los Angeles reggae fans were treated to an unforgettable night of music on October 2, as the legendary UB40 brought their timeless sound to the historic Orpheum Theatre. Joining them was none other than The English Beat, another iconic band from Birmingham, making this a double bill of pure ’80s magic. From the moment the first note hit, the evening was a celebration of reggae, ska, and the enduring power of music to unite and uplift.
The English Beat (known in the US under this name to avoid confusion with another band) may not have had the same longevity as UB40, having split in the early ’80s, but their impact during their short run was undeniable. The audience’s enthusiasm when they took the stage was so undeniable that you could have mistaken them for the headliners. Singer-guitarist Dave Wakeling, the sole remaining original member, leads this version of the band, now billed as The Beat starring Dave Wakeling, and they are a well-oiled machine.
Their forty-five-minute set was packed with fan favorites, including “Rough Rider” and “Ranking Full Stop,” which had the entire venue dancing. They also performed a couple of tracks from Dave’s side project, General Public, including the 1984 hit “Tenderness.” Back-up singer Antonee First Class added a unique touch by improvising a cappella melodies between songs, creating a seamless flow to the set.
Dave took a moment to pay tribute to former band members who have passed away over the years before delivering a heartfelt rendition of “Can’t Get Used To Losing You.” The band closed their set on a high note with their hit “Mirror In The Bathroom,” which sounded absolutely incredible live and left the crowd buzzing.
At 9 PM, the lights dimmed once more, and it was time for the second Birmingham outfit to take the stage. UB40, with their eleven-member lineup, immediately had the entire audience on their feet. Despite being a seated show, no one sat back down for the rest of the night. After a short instrumental intro, the band launched into “Here I Am” to kick off the party.
Matt Doyle, who joined as lead singer just four years ago, has already developed impeccable chemistry with the rest of the band. His voice harmonized beautifully with founding member Robin Campbell, creating a sound that felt both fresh and familiar. UB40 has always been known for its diverse lineup, and in a brief but poignant moment, Matt spoke about the importance of welcoming immigrants before the band performed “Home” from their latest album, UB45, which celebrates the band’s 45th anniversary.
Drummer Jimmy Brown and bassist Earl Falconer provided a tight, groovy backbone that carried the band through the entire set. Longtime collaborator Gilly G, now a full-time backup singer, took over lead vocals on “Me Nah Leave Yet,” a track he co-wrote with the band for their 2021 album Bigga Baggariddim. Robin then encouraged the audience to sing along for the next song, “Cherry Oh Baby,” and the crowd delivered, singing in unison for the entire track.
Founding member and percussionist Norman Lamont Hassan took center stage for “Johnny Too Bad,” showcasing not only his vocal talents but also his electric dance moves, which had the audience cheering.
The lights turned red, signaling the arrival of the band’s most iconic hit, “Red Red Wine.” The entire venue erupted as the audience sang every word of the timeless classic, which remains as beloved today as it was forty years ago. UB40 left the stage to thunderous applause but returned for a four-song encore that included two personal favorites, “Tyler” and “Food For Thought,” both from their debut album, Signing Off. These tracks, with their dub-influenced sound, served as a reminder of the band’s roots and the depth of their catalog.
UB40 is a must-see band whose legacy and music continue to resonate across generations. Their unique sound, which brought them success 45 years ago, remains as vibrant and relevant as ever. Timelessness in music is a rare achievement, and UB40 undoubtedly belongs in the pantheon of legendary bands.
As their US tour comes to a close, there’s no doubt that UB40 will continue to grace stages around the world for as long as they’re alive and kicking. If you missed them this time, make sure to catch them the next time they’re in town—you won’t regret it.
THE ENGLISH BEAT
