WIN tickets to see UB40 and a signed copy of new album UB45
UB40 are back with a new album, a new number one single PLUS upcoming tour!
Last updated 23rd Apr 2024
Here at Greatest Hits Radio, we can’t help falling in love with UB40’s new album 'UB45' – celebrating 45 years of the iconic reggae band, and you can buy your copy here!
UB40 have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide and on 19th April they released their exciting new album, 'UB45', which looks set to be the band's 16th UK Top 10 album. The new album features a combination of new music and fresh recordings of some of their biggest hits we all know and love.
The 14-track album contains brand new songs including 'Home' and the recent Number 1 single 'Gimme Some Kinda Sign', plus re-recordings of some of the band’s most beloved hits, including 'Red Red Wine', 'Cherry Oh Baby', 'Sing Our Own Song' and 'Kingston Town'.
Buy the brand-new album UB45 here!
Exclusive Greatest Hits Radio Loves UB40 T-shirt!
To celebrate the release of UB40's brand-new album, for a limited time, you can buy your exclusive Greatest Hits Radio Loves UB40 T-shirt. Click here to see more and buy yours!
Exclusive HMV instore signings for UB40's new album 'UB45'
To celebrate the release of UB40's latest album 'UB45', the band have announced they'll be meeting fans to sign copies of 'UB45' at the HMV stores listed below:
hmv Vault, Birmingham – Fri 19th Apr – 5pm
hmv Oxford Street, London – Sat 20th Apr – 2pm
hmv Cardiff – Sun 21st Apr – 2pm
hmv Liverpool – Mon 22nd Apr – 5pm
hmv Manchester – Tue 23rd Apr – 5pm
hmv Newcastle – Wed 24th Apr – 5pm
hmv Glasgow – Thu 25th Apr – 5pm
Access to these events is limited, full details can be found here.
Buy the brand-new album UB45 here!
LISTEN: Greatest Hits Radio's Jackie Brambles is joined by the band for a special programme celebrating 45 years of UB40
Greatest Hits Radio’s Jenny Powell on tour with UB40!
The band, the world’s biggest selling reggae group, are also heading back on the road to help celebrate 45 years of UB40 at arenas all over the UK this year and Greatest Hits Radio can’t wait to join them on tour!
Click here to buy your tickets, plus buy the new album UB45 here.
Don’t forget to keep listening to Greatest Hits Radio for the latest on UB40’s new album, tour details, chances to win, exclusive interviews and of course plenty of UB40’s greatest hits!
WIN tickets to see UB40 and a signed copy of new album UB45
This is your chance to see UB40 perform at a UK venue near you with a pair of tickets, plus a signed copy of their new album.
Simply enter below and good luck!
WATCH the video for their Number 1 single 'Gimme Some Kinda Sign' here:
'Gimme Some Kinda Sign' breathes new life into a 1968 classic UK Top 10 hit as it's a cover of Brenton Wood’s soul staple 'Gimme Little Sign', with a fresh UB40 twist. The band's version of the song combines their insouciant grooves, a breezy melody and trademark effervescence.
The song was chosen by lead vocalist Matt Doyle, who suggested it to Robin Campbell, unaware that it had been sitting on his wish list since the 'Labour of Love' (1983) album days four decades ago.
Robin Campbell said: "I was delighted when Matt suggested “Gimme” as a song he’d like to cover as it had been on my to do list for 40 years and I still have the 7” 45 vinyl. It says something about his musical knowledge that he picked a song recorded more than 20 years before he was born."
Matt Doyle added: "'Gimme Some Kinda Sign' is easily one of my favourite tunes on the new record and is incredible fun to play live. Recording was an absolute blast and I love what we’ve done with this song by an incredible old soul singer, who’s 83 now, and if he hears it, I think Brenton Wood would be happy with it for sure!"
What’s the name of UB40’s new album?
'UB45' celebrates 45 years of their success, combining new music and modern recordings of UB40 favourites.
How can I buy the new album?
UB40’s new album 'UB45' is out now, buy the new album here.
When are UB40 touring?
UB40 are playing the Cheltenham Jazz Festival on 6th May, plus some summer dates, and then begin touring UK arenas from 1st November - including London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow and Belfast. Click here for full dates and venues.
Where can I buy tickets to see UB40?
You can get tickets by clicking here.
Now take a look at UB40's career through the years:
1978 - UB40 formed
UB40 formed in 1978 in Birmingham, made up of friends Ali Campbell, Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer, Yomi Babayemi, Norman Hassan, Brain Travers, Jimmy Lynn and Robin Campbell.
The line-up changed in 1979 with Yomi Babayemi and Jimmy Lynn leaving and Mickey Virtue and Astro joining the band.
1980 - UB40 release their debut single
The band released their debut single 'King b/w Food For Thought' which made it to Number 5 in the UK Charts. They were also invited to tour with The Pretenders when Chrissie Hynde saw them performing at a pub in the spring of 1980.
1980 - UB40 release their debut album
UB40 released their first album 'Signing Off' in 1980. It went to Number 2 in the UK Charts, and stayed in the Charts for 71 weeks. At the time of recording, the band couldn't afford a studio so the album was recorded in a bedsit with some of the band playing in the kitchen and others in the back garden.
1980 - UB40 formed their own record company
1980 also saw UB40 end their previous recording contract and form their own record company, with the shares split equally between all eight band members. The record company was called DEP International.
1983 - UB40 release 'Labour of Love'
In 1983, UB40 released their fourth album 'Labour of Love', it was a covers project and included their reggae version of 'Red Red Wine' which was originally sang by Neil Diamond. The song went to Number 1 in the UK Singles Chart and Neil Diamond says he's a fan of this version.
1988 - UB40 go on world tours
Following several successful album releases and international recognition, UB40 was consistently touring across the world in the late 80s. After they finished touring, the band took a break, and during this time several band members worked on solo projects.
1988 - UB40 perform at Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert
UB40 performed with The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert held at Wembley Stadium in 1988.
2011 - UB40 are honoured with PRS for Music Heritage Award
In 2011, UB40 were honoured with a PRS for Music Heritage Award for their contribution to music. A plaque commemorating the award was added at the Hare & Hounds pub in Birmingham, the site of UB40's first gig on 9th February 1979.
Matt Doyle joins the band as lead singer
On 5th July 2021 UB40 announced Birmingham-based singer Matt Doyle had joined the band as their new lead singer. Matt was previously part of the Reggae band KIOKO.
2021 - Brian Travers dies
Saxophonist and founding member of UB40 Brain Travers sadly passed away on 22nd August 2021 following a three-year battle with cancer.
2021 - Astro dies
Terence Wilson, better known as Astro, sadly passed away on 6th November 2021 at the age of 64 after a short illness.
2022 - UB40 celebrate 45th anniversary with album and tour
To celebrate their 45th anniversary, UB40 announced their new album 'UB45' which is due for release in early 2024 as well as a tour across the UK and Ireland.
2022 - UB40 perform at the Commonwealth Games
As well as creating the official anthem of the Commonwealth Games 'Champion', UB40 also performed at the Closing Ceremony on 8th August. Appearing at Alexander Stadium in their hometown, the group played their hit song 'Red Red Wine'.
2023 - UB40 honoured on the Music Walk of Fame
UB40 were honoured on the Music Walk of Fame in 2023. They will receive a stone to mark the occasion in Camden, London.
Now Read:
UB40: The iconic reggae band through the years
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