OFFICIAL UB40 BAND RETURNS TO NORTH AMERICA FOR THE FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR ON THEIR UPCOMING 40-CITY TOUR WITH A NEW ALBUM RELEASING THIS SUMMER
By Judy Shields
Four-time Grammy® nominated UB40 began their U.S. and Canadian “THE UNSTOPPABLE TOUR” – last night in Ottawa, Ontario Canada and lead singer/guitarist Matt Doyle told me about that opening night and how he was looking forward to tonight’s concert in Montreal. The tour will run through November 15.
The legendary reggae-pop band – one of the most successful and influential British groups of all time with more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, with trademark global #1 hits “Red Red Wine” and “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You”; and U.S. Top 10s “Here I Am (Come and Take Me)” and “The Way You Do The Things You Do,” returns for the North America Tour for a fifth consecutive year. The group will perform in 40 markets at major amphitheaters and performing arts centers across America (including New York City and Los Angeles), and Canada.
“THE UNSTOPPABLE TOUR” is now available at https://ub40.global/tour/. Tickets and fan experiences with VIP Meet & Greet and Merch Packages are also available for purchase at their official website, UB40.GLOBAL, and local ticket outlets (fan experiences are provided by 237 Global). The group also plans to release a brand new album this summer (details are forthcoming) and can be pre-ordered on the band’s website.
The official UB40 band featuring original and founding members James Brown (drums), Robin Campbell (guitar/ vocals), Earl Falconer (bass/vocals) and Norman Hassan (percussion/vocals); Martin Meredith (keyboards/WX7/
Says Robin Campbell, “We can’t wait to embark on ‘The Unstoppable Tour,’ as the tour title says that’s how we are feeling! New music, more shows than our last visit, and a more extensive tour of Canada. This will be our fifth consecutive year back in North America and we couldn’t be happier to be coming back. We are currently in the studio working on our new album which will be out before we arrive, and we can’t wait for the fans to hear what we have been cooking up!”
Adds Jimmy Brown, “Really looking forward to this year’s USA tour. It’s always fun getting on the road. We could fly on the longer journeys, but we prefer to go by road. You get to see the changing landscape and meet ordinary people along the way. I think this is the fifth year in a row now that we have toured the states, and it just keeps getting better. More gigs, bigger venues, bigger production. American audiences are the loudest in the world, and the crowd has become more and more diverse over the years. Can’t wait to get there.”
As the world’s biggest-selling reggae group with more than 50 UK charting singles and 17 UK Top 10 albums, the group, formed in Birmingham, England, has been recording and touring since 1978. Originating as group of young friends with working-class origins, UB40 has gone on to becoming four-time Grammy® nominees (including for “Best Reggae Album”) while spending a combined 11 plus years on the charts.
In 2008, former lead singer Ali Campbell left the group to pursue a solo career, and was replaced by his brother, Duncan Campbell, who fronted the group until he retired due to illness in 2021. Matt Doyle has since taken over as lead singer/guitarist, leading the last four major UB40 tours, and performing on their latest 2024 album, “UB45,” which features new songs and re-imagined classics, commemorating their historic 45th anniversary – reaching #5 on the UK official album chart.
Matt discussed his journey becoming the lead singer of UB40 in July 2021, explaining that the opportunity came through a family connection with Norman, the percussion player, who was married to Matt’s aunt. He described how UB40’s band members saw his previous band perform at an awards show in Birmingham in 2018 and invited them on tour, which led to a 40-date tour together. Matt explained that he initially experienced imposter syndrome but quickly felt like he belonged in the band due to his writing style being influenced by UB40, and now feels like he has been part of the group forever.
Enjoy our Conversation here on our YouTube Channel:
UB40 “Unstoppable Tour” Dates Are As Follows:
September 18 – Ottawa, ON – Venue TBA
September 19 – Montreal, QC – MTelus
September 20 – Moncton, NB – The Molson Canadian Centre at Casino New Brunswick
September 22 – Portsmouth, NH – The Music Hall
September 23 – Boston, MA – The Wilbur
September 25 – New York, NY – The Town Hall
September 26 – Morristown, NJ – Mayo Performing Arts Center
September 27 – Philadelphia, PA – Keswick Theatre
September 29 – Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse
September 30 – North Bethesda, MD – Strathmore
October 2 – Windsor, ON –The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
October 3 – Niagara Falls, ON – Fallsview Casino Resort
October 4 – Fort Wayne, IN – Foellinger Theatre
October 7 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theatre
October 8 – Chicago, IL – Auditorium Theatre
October 9 – St. Paul, MN – Palace Theatre
October 10 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre
October 13 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall
October 14 – Calgary, AB – Grey Eagle Casino
October 16 – Bremerton, WA – Admiral Theatre
October 17 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
October 18 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore Ballroom
October 20 – Modesto, CA – Gallo Center for the Arts
October 22 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live
October 23 – Saratoga, CA – Mountain Winery
October 24 – Cabazon, CA – Morongo Casino
October 25 – Thousand Oaks, CA – Kavil Theatre
October 28 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
October 30 – Fort McDowell, AZ – We-Ko-Pa Casino
October 31 – San Diego, CA – Open Air Theatre
November 1 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl
November 3 – Tucson, AZ – Fox Tucson Theatre
November 4 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel
November 6 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues
November 7 – Pine Bluff, AR – Saracen Casino Resort
November 8 – Houston, TX – House of Blues
November 10 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall
November 12 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage
November 13 – Orlando, FL – Hard Rock Live
November 14 – St. Petersburg, FL – Duke Center for the Arts – Mahaffey Theatre
November 15 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live
UB40 North American Tour Discussion
Matt discussed UB40’s fifth consecutive North American tour, explaining that American audiences are enthusiastic and know how to party, even in seated venues. He highlighted how the founding members, including Robin Campbell, Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer, and Norman Hassan, have taught him about the importance of staying grounded and focusing on the fan relationship rather than individual egos. Matt also mentioned that UB40 has a new eclectic album arriving this year, with one song being tested live as a cover of Shania Twain’s “Still the One,” which has received positive audience reactions.
UB40 Unstoppable Tour Experience
Matt described the magical experience of performing live with UB40, particularly when thousands of fans sing along to songs like “Red Red Wine,” creating an unforgettable connection between the band and audience. He expressed pride in being part of the band’s legacy spanning over 45 years, noting how three generations of families attend their shows. Matt explained that the “Unstoppable Tour” aims to convey hope to fans, contrasting the band’s enduring spirit with the hopelessness often felt in the world today.
UB40 Concert and Musical Journey
Matt discussed upcoming UB40 concert dates in California and other locations, encouraging fans to purchase tickets. Matt shared his musical journey, explaining how he discovered his voice through playing guitar at age 11-12 and later became the lead singer of a school band around age 15. He emphasized the importance of focusing single-mindedly on one’s passion, particularly in music, which led to his opportunity with UB40.
Musical Career and Tour Dynamics
Matt discussed the challenges of pursuing a musical career in the current financial climate, emphasizing the importance of passion and living one’s chosen path. He described the band’s positive dynamic, noting they enjoy joking around and having fun together on tour. Matt explained that the band prefers traveling by bus rather than flying for most of their tours, as it allows them to relax and have conversations while seeing the country. He also mentioned that the band writes songs while on tour, finding inspiration from their experiences and each other’s ideas, which they record after returning home.
Live Performance Experiences Discussion
Matt discussed the different experiences of playing to large crowds, like the 85,000 people at a festival in France, compared to intimate shows with smaller audiences. He mentioned playing in various unique locations, including someone’s house for a festival in France and on ships. When asked about a potential tour book, Matt indicated that there had been thoughts about it but was unsure of the current plans.
For more information and to connect with UB40 visit: www.UB40.global
X: @UB40OFFICIAL
Facebook: @ub40official
Instagram: @ub40official
UB40 App: https://ub40.fan.direct
