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UB40 releases “Champion” today, the first single from their upcoming 2023 album titled UB45, a celebration of the band’s 45 years with new and reworked music. Featuring two of Birmingham’s most respected emcees, Gilly G and Dapz on the Map alongside new frontman Matt Doyle, “Champion” is also the official anthem of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, hosted by UB40’s diverse hometown of Birmingham, England, July 28 – August 28. Listen to “Champion” here.
On August 18, the Bigga Baggariddim tour will kick off in Knoxville, TN with The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson, Maxi Priest and Big Mountain. Tickets are available now at UB40.global.
Formed in 1978, UB40 transcended their working-class origins in Birmingham to become the one of the world’s most successful Reggae bands. Named after an unemployment benefit form, the group aligned themselves to left-wing political ideals and forged their own identity. The band has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and are regarded as one of the tightest dub units. With founding members Robin Campbell on guitar and vocals, drummer Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer on bass and vocals, percussionist and vocalist Norman Hassan (life long friend and founder member saxophonist Brian Travers sadly died in 2021), alongside lead vocalist Matt Doyle, Keyboard player Tony Mullings and longtime veteran horn section Laurence Parry, Martin Meredith and Ian Thompson.
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“Champion” is the first UB40 single to feature new frontman Matt Doyle (formerly of Kioko), who is holding the torch for Duncan Campbell after his retirement following a stroke. “I wish the absolute best for Duncan and I hope that he makes a full and speedy recovery,” says Doyle. “I have loved UB40’s music for as long as I can remember. The audience has welcomed me with love and open arms and I can’t wait to hear them singing the classics back to me.” This summer, Doyle performed across the UK and Europe this summer to rave reviews from both the audience and critics. UB40 has a sensational live show and can’t wait to bring it to America and beyond.
Bigga Baggariddim Tour w/ The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson,
Maxi Priest and Big Mountain
Aug 18 Knoxville, TN River Breeze Event Center
Aug 19 Detroit, MI The Aretha Franklin Amphitheater
Aug 20 Pittsburgh, PA Rock, Reggae & Relief Festival
Aug 21 Newark, NJ New Jersey Performing Arts Center
Aug 24 New York, NY Central Park
Aug 25 Boston, MA House of Blues
Aug 27 Washington, DC Entertainment & Sports Arena
Aug 30 St. Petersburg, FL Jannus Live
Sept 1 Boca Raton, FL Mizner Park Amphitheater
Sept 2 Stockbridge, GA Stockbridge Amphitheater
Sept 3 Pelham, TN The Caverns
Sept 4 Charlotte, NC QC Sound Stage
Sept 9 Ft. Worth, TX Wild Acre Live
Sept 10 Cedar Park, TN Haute Spot Event Venue
Sept 11 Houston, TX Arena Theatre
Sept 13 Phoenix, AZ Celebrity Theatre
Sept 15 Saratoga, CA Mountain Winery
Sept 16 Murphys, CA Ironstone Amphitheatre
Sept 18 Los Angeles, CA The Hollywood Bowl
UB40 UB45 Tour
Dec 12 Nottingham, ENG Rock City
Dec 5 Norwich, ENG UEA
Dec 6 Stoke-on-Trent, ENG Victoria Hall
Dec 7 Liverpool, ENG Eventim Olympia
Dec 8 Dublin, IRE 3 Arena
Dec 9 Belfast, IRE Ulster Hall
Dec 10 Castlebar, ENG Royal Theatre
Dec 18 Birmingham, ENG Utilita Arena
Dec 20 Leeds, ENG First Direct Arena
Dec 21 London, ENG SSE Wembley Arena
Additional ticket information here
