UB40 in Riverside

About UB40

UB40 formed in Birmingham, England in 1978, named after an unemployment benefit form. The eight-piece band became one of the most successful reggae acts outside Jamaica by blending roots reggae with pop accessibility. Their 1983 cover of "Red Red Wine" became their signature track, hitting number one globally and introducing millions to their laid-back, horn-driven sound. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, they maintained a steady stream of hits with covers and originals alike—"Kingston Town," their reinterpretation of a Lord Creator song, proved their knack for revitalizing older tracks. Ali Campbell's smooth, conversational vocals made reggae feel conversational rather than preached. Beyond the hits, UB40 earned respect for their socially conscious lyrics and refusal to shy away from political themes. The band's longevity speaks to something genuine: they made reggae feel natural to British and American audiences without stripping it of substance.

Known for Red Red Wine, Can't Help Falling in Love, Kingston Town, Here Comes the Rain Again, Food for Thought

UB40 + Riverside

UB40 last brought their reggae-pop sound to Riverside back in 2010, playing the Fox Performing Arts Center. The Birmingham legends have always had a solid following in Southern California, where their blend of reggae, pop, and their signature cover of "Red Red Wine" still resonates with crowds looking for something laid-back and groove-oriented.

UB40 in Riverside News

• The Who Plus Special Guests UB40 ft. Ali Campbell Concert: A Captivating Fusion of Rock and Orchestral Brilliance Durham Cricket · Jul 21, 2023
• Live Review: UB40 Sheldon Ang Media · Jan 19, 2023
• UB40 2023 Australia Tour Scenestr · Jun 1, 2022
• UB40 announces 45th anniversary Australian tour for 2023 NME · May 31, 2022
• UB40 Reschedule Australian Tour to April/May 2021 Rolling Stone Australia · Sep 17, 2020

Riverside road trip to see UB40?

Stay in the Magnolia Center area near downtown Riverside, where restored historic buildings sit alongside new boutique hotels and wine bars—it's the only neighborhood that actually feels like somewhere worth spending an evening. Before the show, dinner at Duane's, a reliable California steakhouse with real cocktails and actual craft to the food. Spend your afternoon at the Riverside Metropolitan Museum or walking through the Mission Inn's sprawling Mission Revival campus—it's genuinely stunning architecture, the kind of thing that reminds you why people actually settled this part of California.