[Julio Marchena]

The Gig
As a reggae lover I used to go to reggae concerts in Lima and definitively this is one of the most crowded concerts I have ever been into. Then, after the show of two local reggae bands, the band appears… yeah after the new intro where we can hear part of the most well known songs… the show starts…..
“SO LONG I’VE BEEN WAITING…WAITING FOR YOU”
(Seems to be me who was speaking, waiting so long to see the band in Lima!)
Everybody where looking amazed the performing of the band singing THE TRAIN IS COMING, with a Brian Travers as elegant as always, doing those nice movements with his saxo we all loved. I know what I was about to see but those who didn’t, were thrilled by BT’s sax not only the people I know but in most local media reviews there has been said the same.
The show continued with a tracklist similar of the Manchester gig , the sound and lights were perfect! I delight myself looking at the crowd in times, looking attentive to the high quality performance.
The reaction of the people was great considering the boundaries of language and the fact that they were 6 new songs all of them provoking movements in people’s bodies…
The show continued and Astro, Earl, and Norman performed their songs… Astro danced a lot and make the people starting to shout, his movements and his mood so contagious as always then Earl with his unique style… imagine you all the man saying “YES LIMA IT’S TIME FOR THE MAXIMUN BOOST” or “RESPECT TO THE MAXIMUN”… Reggae Music and Baby, sounded so nice. Another surprise for the people was Norman, he danced as he only knows how on Johnny Too Bad making everybody surprised for his steps.
The new songs were great, as I told Duncan, I love them because, a part of their wicked sound, we can look on their live performance all the guys singing together as a proper band like in Cream Puff and Boom Shacka Lacka. Another chapter deserves Get along without You Now, the single that promises to be a hit… all of my friends and specially those who don’t know much of the band loved the song.
Well, when we realize the time has passed so fast and it was already Brian’s birthday a February 7th that I think Brian won’t never forget. Me and my crew started to sing loudly “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” to one of the band members that is always close to us and who treat each of us as a friend, as someone that with his gestures shows gratitude and love to the 11th member of the band: THE FANS.
I was so happy to have the opportunity to sing Happy Birthday to my friend!!!!!!
After this, we throw our UK-PERU flags to the scenario, they look so great over the stage. Sweet Sensation came and Robin gave some greetings to J-U-L-I-O!!!
Yeah I was thrilled to hear my name twice threw Robin’s Mic… My girlfriend and friends couldn’t believe it… Thanks Robin!! Hope somebody catch the moment on video cause I couldn’t.
The show ended with Can’t Help Falling In Love and, to be sincere, The voice of Duncan fits perfectly on the song … by the way, until this time, when writing this review, nobody has told me something about the issue, in summary great start in South America for Duncan and Tony.
Next day, UB40 were to leave the hotel and there was me without a conversation with BT and the rest of the band. I wouldn’t let myself having ub40 at some miles from my house without a proper hug to my idols. And well as my friend Gail says, dreams do come true, and so was mine…
I COULD MEET ALL BAND MEMBERS!!
I went with my girlfriend with some Peruvian instruments as presents for the band and well… There’s a picture of me and BT playing with the panpipes!!! Robin liked their present too as well as the rest of the band. James was so kind as well as Norman to whom I ask how he could dance so good… There was Earl, Tony, Astro, Pikey and Laurence at my sight unbelievable.
At this time, I decided to give a surprise to all loonies, hope you like this...

YouTube - Brian Travers and his crazy amigo Julio to all UBLoonies of the World

Finally just had independent pictures but no one with the band together…. When everybody has left the hotel I decided to put all my booklets and things in order when I realize that the translator was having a picture with most of the band members at that time I run outside the hotel and said to my girlfriend “c’mon we can’t lose this moment … “ the long-awaited picture was taken G8!!!!!!!!!



Finally I said Goodbye to all, they won’t forget the finger-wrecked, crazy Peruvian Paparazzi that was close to the band in almost every moment in their visit to PERU, I’m sure of that!!!!
A sound was perceived by me, that was not Earls base nor Norman congas but the sound of the bus engine… it was time to say good bye to UB40… a tear fell down threw my eyes as well as in this moment.

Julio Marchena