By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Live Review: UB40 and The Beat with David Wakeling – Baycare Sound, Clearwater, Fl – August 8, 2024
Hearing reggae and ska reminds me of my college days. We were very much into the New Wave and ska scene, which crossed over to reggae. Look at The Police. During the 80s, MTV played the videos of The English Beat’s “Mirror in the Bathroom“ and UB40’s “Red Red Wine,“ which was actually an old Neil Diamond song from the 60s. Yes, really. They also breathed new life into Elvis Presley’s hit “Can’t Help Falling in Love” and Al Green’s “Here I Am (Come and Take Me).”
On the evening of August 8th at the Baycare Sound, the Gen X’er audience was treated to music from both iconic bands with careers spanning four decades. The evening began at 6:30 p.m. with Dave Wakeling and the Beat, which they are currently named. Maxi Priest was slated to perform on the bill but was reportedly detained in New York. I was especially eager to see The Beat since the last time was in 2015. They played to an enthusiastic audience to get up and move, even in the sweltering heat. Many were dressed in checkerboard two-tone flavored attire and ready to jump to the occasion—literally.
The band put their spin on Stax and Motown hits “I’ll Take You There“ and “Tears of a Clown,“ much to my delight. Wakeling asked, “Does anybody remember the 1980s?“ A roar of “yeah“ burst and cheered as he began an English Beat favorite, “Save It For Later.“
As “S.K.A. Spells Ska“ was performed, he beckoned the audience to jump and admitted, “I am so happy to be here.“ Crowd favorites were “Tenderness“ and “Mirror in the Bathroom“ as everyone stood, holding cell phones overhead and dancing.
After about a 30-minute set change, UB40 was ready to hit the stage. A group of men in chairs manning laptops sat on stage right (reason unknown), and a beautiful backdrop with the band’s logo was elevated at the rear of the stage. The large band, featuring a fantastic brass section, performed a combination of old classics and new tunes from their successful release, UB45. The album debuted at Number 5 on the charts earlier in Spring and is the band’s highest-charting studio album in 31 years. It’s not too shabby for a group of Brummies that formed the band in 1978. Their popularity remains consistent today as they travel the festival circuit and headline shows across the globe.
During the evening, Robin Campbell, vocalist and guitarist, served as spokesperson for the band, which Matt Doyle now flanks as lead vocalist. Astro passed away in 2021, and Campbell’s brothers Ali and Duncan no longer sing in the band. As Campbell introduced band members, he noted his son Matt is currently a vocalist.
The set list for the evening included fan favorites like “Red Red Wine“ and “Kingston Town,“ but perhaps my personal favorites were “Home“ from their new album. The band is a force of nature and sounded flawless during their live performance. Let’s hope they keep adding more new music and continue to tour.
PHOTO GALLERY
Check out UB40 on The Kelly Clarkson Show
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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