UB 40 and friends bring Red Red Wine to Tucson
AVA Amphitheatre
Tucson, AZ
August 5, 2024
by Mary Andrews
Reggae music was the star of the evening at AVA Amphitheatre on Sunday with UB40, Third World and Inner Circle sparkling on greater than 100 degrees dominating the night. It’s not unusual to have such oppressive heat in August. It was surprising to see the amphitheatre filled tot he brim with fans dancing in place.
Reggae music has remained a viable genre of music throughout the years, unlike other genre of music. There seemed to be a blend of music and a comrodery between the bands during the evening. Third World consisted of five musicians, three of which shared the center spotlight. Stephen ‘Cat’ Core did the lion’s share of the vocals, guitar, and cello performance during the 30 minute set. Favorite songs included “1865 (96 Degrees in the Shade),” and the O’Jay’s “Now That We found Love.”
Inner Circle was the second Jamaican band to perform for the evening. The Kinston band has been known as the bad boys of Reggae, but i’m not sure why. In (the 1980s had several hit single including “Sweat (A La La La La La Long and “Bad Boys.” I think I answered my own question. “Bad Boys” was the theme to the American TV show COPS. Brothers Ian and Roger Lewis have been the band’s most consistant members;. Add
Bernard ‘Touler” Harvey and Lancelot Hall to the list of longterm performers. All are members from the 1970s. The band is completed by singer Trevor :Sketta” Bonnick and lead guitartist Andre Philips.The insistant professionalism and the taut musicianship add up to engaging performance not to be missed.
The headliners of the night were UB40. They are the legends of reggae without a doubt bringing reggae music to the main stream in Britain. Hailing from Birminham, England, they’ve been doing this for 45 years and its been a way of life. It’s hard to make a living being creative when the main source of income in Birmingham is working in a Jaguar factory. Somehow five members of the band managed to do just that. UB40 still boasts of 3-4 original members and that is quite a feat.
For many years Ali Campbell was the lead singer. When Ali left 15 years ago, he was replaced by Duncan, his brother. He was recently replaced due to ill health by Matt Doyle. They call him Hollywood Doyle because all the ladies love him. This tour is a way to introduce him to the public and has earned him the reputation of being a great replacement.
The band had been touring with Chrissy Hynde years ago, and had a huge hit record of “Red Red Wine” by the end of that tour and things have never been the same since. The tour boasts songs from the old days as well as new songs. They recently released a new album, UB45, introducing the new lead singer with new arrangements of the old songs and new material as well.
The set started with”Here I Am(Come and Take Me)” each horn player had an opportunity to solo and show their skills. Needless to say, each one’s skills was phenomenal. It was a well-orchestrated performance. They covered “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “Gimme’ Some Kind of Sign,” “Red Red Wine” and Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling in Love.”
It was a performance well-worth enduring the heat by a band that has defined Reggae music.
UB40 Website | Facebook | YouTube | Tik Tok | Twitter | Instagram |
