UB40 in Sacramento

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 + Sacramento

UB40 brought their reggae steady to Thunder Valley in late September, running through a setlist that proved they're more than just "Red Red Wine." They dug into the catalog with "One in Ten," a track that hits different live, and "Johnny Too Bad," which had the room locked in. "Many Rivers to Cross" and "Kingston Town" felt like they belonged there, the kind of songs that settle into a crowd. They closed out with "Can't Help Falling in Love," which is the move — takes a cover everyone knows and makes it theirs.

UB40 in Sacramento News

• Tour news: Lucy Dacus, Life Without Buildings, UB40, The Lot Radio 10th Anniversary Party, Billy Strings, indie label fair, more BrooklynVegan · Jan 27, 2026
• California State Fair concert canceled due to singer’s ‘unexpected illness.’ How to get refunds Sacramento Bee · Jul 18, 2024
• UB40 featuring Ali Campbell cancels California State Fair concert ABC10 · Jul 17, 2024
• UB40 featuring Ali Campbell cancels California State Fair performance due to singer’s illness FOX40 · Jul 16, 2024
• UB40 Announce 45th Anniversary “Red Red Wine Tour” [Updated] Consequence of Sound · Apr 30, 2024

Live Music in Sacramento

Sacramento's live music scene is built on eclecticism rather than any single dominant sound. The city has always been welcoming to touring acts across genres, and reggae and roots music hold their own here. UB40's accessible blend of reggae, pop, and dancehall should find receptive ears, especially among longtime fans who've followed them through their many incarnations.

Sacramento road trip to see UB40?

Stay in Midtown Sacramento, where the neighborhood actually feels alive—walk to restaurants, bars, and galleries without planning logistics. Dinner at The Kitchen restaurant offers precise, ingredient-focused cooking that pairs well with the area's wine bar culture. Spend an afternoon at the Crocker Art Museum, one of the country's oldest art institutions, or wander the American River Bike Trail if you need to clear your head before the show. The neighborhood's tree-lined streets and vintage architecture beat anywhere else in town.