UB40 Announces 13-Date 'Cities & Towns Tour'

Birmingham's renowned pop and reggae band UB40, who have accrued 3 number 1's and a massive 17 top 10 hits in the UK top 40 including 'Red, Red wine', 'I got you babe' &' I can't help falling in love with you' announce 'Cities and Towns' a 13 date tour across the UK from 4 - 22 December 2017.

UB40 evolved from the humble beginnings of Moseley in Birmingham to become the world's most successful reggae infused band in the UK. Nominated for a Grammy Award for the Best Reggae album four times, and a Brit award for Best British Group. The collective are one of the world's best, selling British groups with over 70 million records sold to date.

During their three decade career they have performed sell out shows all over the world, headlined the Reggae Sunsplash music festival in Jamaica and were responsible for introducing reggae to Russia, South America and beyond.

The band's name UB40 originates from the unemployment benefit form of the same name, which also provided the artwork on their 1st album 'Signing off', considered by many to be one of the greatest reggae albums of all time. It was the start of a stellar career that produced over 50 singles, conquering the charts with hits including; 'Food for thought', party anthem 'Red, red wine', Elvis cover 'Can't Help Falling in Love', 'I Got You Babe' performed with Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders and their iconic albums 'Labour Of Love', and 'Promises and Lies' both of which hit the number 1 album spots and went double platinum in the UK.

The December 2017 tour 'Cities and Towns' features the bands five founding members; Robin Campbell, Brian Travers, Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer, Norman Hassan, and four long-time members Duncan Campbell, Martin Meredith, Laurence Parry & Tony Mullings.

Robin Campbell - Guitars / Vocal a lifelong aficionado of ska, rock-steady and reggae is also heavily influenced by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke and Otis Redding. Robin performs lead vocal on several classic songs.

Duncan Campbell - Vocals originally started singing with his brothers Robin and Ali at a very young age, taught by their folk-singer father Ian. Duncan had a long standing invitation from the group to join them at their peak, but pursued a successful career as a TV actor, before joining as a later, welcome addition.

James Brown - Drums - Jimmy's syncopated drumming has been the backbone of UB40's sound since day one.

Earl Falconer - Bass/ Vocals is a highly regarded bass player. His bass lines are at the heart of UB40's infectious music and always delivers an exciting performance. Earl's passion outside UB40 is developing young local artists and releasing drum 'n' bass and dance tracks.

Norman Lamont Hassan - Percussion/Vocals is a versatile multi-talented percussionist who also provides lead vocals on live favourites such as 'Johnny Too Bad', 'Soul Rebel 'and 'The Road ' as well as sweet harmonies on an array of UB40 tunes. On stage he is well known for his impressive dancing.

Brian Travers - Sax / Horn is the man behind UB40's classic horn sound which is recognised the world over. He has a love of art, photography and all things musical. Brian is a prolific lyricist and has had a major input in influencing the band's many videos.

Martin Meredith has played saxophone since the age of 12, his decision to play came as a result of Brian Travers buying him his first saxophone. In 1997 Martin received an unconditional offer from the Birmingham Conservatoire to study composition simultaneously with being offered to audition for UB40 as a saxophonist, Martin astutely chose UB40 and has been with the band ever since. Martin has played on 7 of the bands main albums.

Laurence Parry multi-instrumental trained in both classical and jazz music since the age of 15, and didn't waste any time in racking up his impressive list of musical credits. Joining the R&B group Rent Party straight out of school, he immediately found himself touring the world, playing international jazz festivals and sharing the bill with the likes of MiLes Davis and Chic Corea. Since then Laurence has played with The Cure, The Eurythmics, Robert Palmer, BB King, Robert Plant, Tina Turner, Beyonce, Joe Cocker, Phil Collins, Vanessa May, Ruby Turner and James Brown's backing band, The JBs. He joined UB40 in 1994 towards the end of the 'Promises and Lies Tour' and has been touring and recording with the band ever since.

Tony Mullings bass/guitar hails from a very musical family, he started playing bass and rhythm guitar, and together with brother Robert formed their first band. Playing predominantly in churches, schools and small venues. In 1980 Tony joined Crucial Music, it was the first time he would play piano on the big stage and toured Europe supporting artists such as Pato Banton, Steel Pulse, Gregory Isaacs, Aswad and Third World.

The tour launches at Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall on Monday 4th December with a special homecoming show in Birmingham on 15th, finishing in Southampton on 22nd December

DECEMBER 2017 TOUR DATES:

Mon 4th Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall

Tue 5th London Eventim Apollo

Wed 6th Newcastle Metro Radio Arena

Fri 8th Aberdeen Oil and Gas Arena

Sat 9th Glasgow Clyde Auditorium

Sun 10th Leeds First Direct Arena

Wed 13th Brighton Centre

Thur 14th Newport Neon

Fri 15th Birmingham Genting Arena

Sun 17th Manchester O2 Apollo

Mon 18th Cambridge Corn Exchange

Thur 21st Exeter Great Hall

Fri 22nd Southampton Guildhall

For more information, visit www.ub40.global, or follow them on facebook.com/ub40official, twitter @UB40official, and Intsagram: instagram.com/ub40official.

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