UB40 in Los Angeles

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 in Los Angeles News

• UB40 Announce Major North American Run With “Unstoppable Tour” Music Talkers · Jan 27, 2026
• UB40 brings the ‘Labour of Love’ to the City of Angels KTLA · Oct 5, 2025
• The British reggae legends UB40 are back on tour in California! NBC Los Angeles · Oct 2, 2025
• UB40 Launching Relentless Tour This Summer antiMusic · Apr 18, 2025
• UB40 Announces 2025 US Tour, Including Shows with The English Beat Consequence of Sound · Mar 31, 2025

Live Music in Los Angeles

Los Angeles has always had a complicated relationship with reggae. The city's dominant sound tends to be hip-hop and rock, but reggae and dancehall have maintained steady underground presence, particularly in West Hollywood and Long Beach. UB40's accessibility—smooth, pop-leaning reggae that doesn't demand much from casual listeners—actually positions them well for LA audiences who might not seek out heavier roots reggae but appreciate the vibe.

Los Angeles road trip to see UB40?

Stay in Los Feliz, where you can walk tree-lined streets and catch views from Griffith Observatory. Dinner at Republique in the Arts District—refined French-inspired food in a restored factory space that feels more Paris than LA. Spend an afternoon at the Huntington Library in San Marino, a world-class art collection that justifies the drive. The city's recording studio history is everywhere; walk through Hollywood and you're literally surrounded by the spaces where hits were made. End the night at a jazz bar like The Fonda Theatre or catch live music on Sunset Boulevard.