They got us, babe. Ali Campbell’s voice has always been distinctive but hearing it ring out across Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena is something to behold.
UB40, featuring original member Ali Campbell, took to the stage last night in front of an adoring audience, who left more captivated than ever. The reggae icons took the spot as headliner of LIMF as it made its triumphant return after a three year hiatus due to the pandemic.
The soft reggae notes took me back to waking up on Sunday morning and hearing my mother trying to keep in tune with Red Red Wine. But staying in tune has never bothered her before and it didn’t bother her last night as she sang and danced along to some of UB40’s iconic songs.
READ MORE: LIMF returns after three year break with huge gigs in Liverpool city centre
The lively concert, which included the band’s timeless classics Can’t Help Falling in Love With You, Kingston Town and Red Red Wine, made for an incredible atmosphere and an unforgettable evening. The audience was drawn in further with each beloved hit, and I did start to wonder just what we’d do once it was over.
The band took to the stage to thunderous applause after the audience was warmed up by British reggae group Aswad, Liam Bailey and Robbo Ranx. After the cheering and clapping had died down, the band performed the much-loved Here I Am (Come and Take Me).
The atmosphere when the chords to Can't Help Falling in Love With You was magical. The calmness and adoration pouring from the crowd was a sight to see - a core memory created.
The band also took some time to dedicate a song to Prince, who passed away in 2016, and performed a reggae version of Purple Rain. Another stand out performance was UB40 ft Ali Campbell’s new song Unprecedented - which is also the title track of the band’s new album. It’s in keeping with the band’s timeless sound but is strikingly current, highlighting the anxiety of the pandemic and political unrest in the UK.
While Ali Campbell has long been the name and face of UB40, along with Terence ‘Astro’ Wilson who passed away after a short illness last November at the age of 64, there are a multitude of other musicians who come together to give the band its distinctive sound.
Among them are bass, drum, trumpet and saxophone players, as well as backing vocalists - and they all shone at one point or another last night. Standing out from the crowd, however, was drummer Frank Benbini who kept the crowd hyped up, dancing and giving us a laugh in the process.
They kept us waiting until the very end - but it was definitely worth it as the atmosphere when the chords to Red Red Wine began was like no other. It was what each and every one of us had been waiting for all night. Unforgettable.
The band also paid tribute to Astro during the song, where his voice - and iconic rap - could be heard while the band performed. A touching moment that wrapped up the whole experience.
What a return it was for UB40 and for LIMF. How soon can they come back to Liverpool, please?
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