Live Review: UB40 – 1st of November 2024 – Wembley Arena, London, UK
2 min read
Upon arriving at Ovo’s Wembley Arena, the atmosphere was electric, all in anticipation of the legendary UB40. This iconic reggae band was celebrating the launch of their latest album, UB45, marking an impressive 45 years in the music industry. After standing in line for almost an hour, we finally found our seats just in time to catch Birmingham’s own Young Culture. Their vibrant dancehall reggae performance was the perfect way to kick off the evening.
Next, Soul II Soul took the stage, led by the charismatic Jazzie B. They energised the crowd with classic hits, including their touching cover of Sinead O’Connor’s Nothing Compares 2 U, the upbeat Keep on Movin’, and the unforgettable Back to Life. The atmosphere was infectious, enhanced by the elegant backing singers who added flair to the show.
As UB40 made their entrance around 9 p.m., they dove straight into a blend of beloved classics and new tracks from UB45, reflecting on their remarkable journey in reggae music. Their setlist artfully intertwined time-honored songs with fresh sounds, all delivered with the signature UB40 rhythm and brass that filled the venue, creating an unforgettable ambiance. They kicked things off with favourites Here And Homely Girl with the audience singing along together.
UB40 effectively balanced their well-known hits with deeper cuts, demonstrating their evolution over the years and engaging fans with a mix of old and new. The old and new generation was extremely well exemplified by chilled out Gilly G and his son, new member Matt Campbell. The performance highlighted tracks from UB45 such as Fool Me Once and Home, which blended seamlessly with the familiar classics, showcasing the band’s ability to make reggae feel both timeless and contemporary.
The crowd was also treated to UB40’s heartfelt covers, including Cherry Oh Baby and Many Rivers to Cross As they played Food for Thought, Kingston Town the audience’s excitement peaked, filling the arena with vibrant energy and song. Their rendition of Red Red Wine elevated the mood to the max, enveloping everyone in UB40’s distinct reggae warmth.
As the night concluded with cover (I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You, UB40 left the audience with a sense of nostalgia and a deep connection to their music. The performance at Wembley was not just a concert; it was a celebration of the unifying spirit of UB40’s songs, which resonate across generations and bring together fans of all ages to honor their enduring legacy.
Set list:
Here I Am
Keep On Moving / Maybe tomorrow
Homely Girl
Sing Our Own Song
One In ten
Home
Please Don’t Make Me Cry
Bring Me Your Cup
You Don’t Call / Me Nah Leave Yet
Fool Me Once
The Keeper
Many Rivers To Cross
Cherry Oh Baby
Gimme Some Kinda Sign
Wear You To The Ball
Red Red Wine
Food For Thought
Kingston Town
Can’t Help Falling In Love
