UB40 are coming to Mayo in November!
Iconic English reggae band UB40 have today announced brand new dates for their 24-date UK and Ireland Bigga Baggardiddim Tour, kicking off in Castlebar on November 19.
Celebrating the release of the forthcoming new album Bigga Baggariddim, founder members Robin Campbell, Brian Travers, James Brown, Earl Falconer and Norman Hassan with long-time members Duncan Campbell, Martin Meredith, Laurence Parry and Tony Mullings will perform new tracks alongside the band’s timeless classics and greatest hits, including 'Food For Thought', 'One In Ten', 'Kingston Town', '(I Can't Help) Falling in Love With You' and 'Red, Red Wine', amongst many, many others.
Tickets have gone on general sale this morning (Friday) on Ticketmaster; just log on to https://bit.ly/UB40Castlebar.
Robin Campbell, guitarist and vocalist, is looking forward to the tour. He said: “We really believe this will be the last time we’ve had to move theses dates because of Covid. We’re going stir crazy and just want to get back on the road again.”
Norman Hassan, percussionist and vocalist, added: “We just can’t wait to feel the vibe and love of a live crowd dancing and singing, moving and a grooving! That’s what’s we live for.”
Commented James Brown, drummer: “It’s been so frustrating not being able to play gigs. It’s what we love to do. We can’t wait till we are back on the road, doing what we do best, performing on stage to a packed crowd.”
Bigga Baggariddim is the band's follow-up to the band’s critically acclaimed and internationally successful 1985 release Baggariddim. Much like Baggariddim, when UB40 invited other artists to voice over their riddims, Bigga Baggariddim is an international celebration of reggae, featuring New Zealand’s House of Shem, India’s Reggae Rajahs, reggae veterans Inner Circle, Tippa Irie and Winston Francis, and upcomers Gilly G. Kioko, BLVK H3RO and Leno Banton.
The album also includes tracks with Pablo Rider and Slinger, who both featured on the 1985 Baggariddim album.
As for so many, Covid has been devastating for the music industry. During lockdown the band have launched weekly UBZoomy broadcasts on their social media and their new exclusive UB40 app to stay connected with their fans. Every Sunday night from 7 p.m., the band get together for album listening sessions, fan Q&As, guest interviews and guest performances, and to watch UB40 archive footage together.
The Sunday night UBZoomy initiative has become a firm fan favourite and fans can now purchase an exclusive ticket bundle, including the UB40 at 40 live DVD, a pre-order of the new Bigga Baggariddim album and a year’s premium membership to the UB40 app, shortening the wait until the tour kicks off later this year.
Additionally, in the run-up to the new album release and the 2021 tour, the band will share lots of engaging and exclusive content, competitions and all things UB40 on the app for fans to enjoy.
UB40 formed in 1978 and have since transcended their working-class origins to become the most successful reggae band in the world, selling over 100 million records worldwide and spending more than a combined 11 years in the UK album chart, alongside 40 UK hit singles, including three number ones, making them one of the most successful British groups of all time.