Someone once claimed UB40 are to reggae what the Beatles and Rolling Stones were to American rhythm and blues and as they release the latest installment of their best-selling Labour Of Love series, the truth of this statement is undeniable. Literally millions of people from across the globe have developed a love for Jamaican music after hearing UB40, and the band’s commitment to  their early influences is as strong as ever.

The Labour of Love series began in 1983, with a number one album and number one single (’Red, Red Wine)’. This was followed in 1989 by LOL II, which spawned a no.4 single (’Kingston Town’) and two US Billboard Top 10s. Another Top 10 album, LOL III, and single (’Come Back, Darling’) was released in 1998.

‘Labour Of Love IV’ continues what has become a passion for the band; to share their love of reggae classics, some well-known, some not so, with the public-at-large. Recorded at the band’s Reflex Studios in Birmingham in the Spring 2009, the album comprises 14 tracks. Covers such as Delroy Wilson (’Close To Me’), John Holt songs (’I Don’t Want To See You Cry’ and ‘Man Next Door’) and Rocksteady vocal groups the Melodians (’Get Along Without You Now’) and The Paragons (’Holiday’) bestow this new album with such an infectious sense of joy, it’s hard to believe it’s the fourth in the series and not the first. UB40, just like other dedicated reggae fans, fervently want such artists - including Theo Beckford (’Easy Snappin”), Errol Dunkley (’You’re Gonna Need Me’), Ken Parker (’True True True’) and Hopeton Lewis (’Boom Shaka Lacka’), who also contribute songs to Labour Of Love IV - to receive more recognition, and there’s now every chance of that happening with these mesmerising new versions.

American soul stars Smokey Robinson (’Tracks Of My Tears’), Sam Cooke (’Bring It On Home To Me’) and Johnny Nash need no introduction here, except these songs were hugely popular within Caribbean communities, and had a lasting impact upon UB40 themselves. Johnny Nash was the first overseas’ act to cover a Bob Marley song and his ‘Cream Puff’ is a little-known gem from the very early seventies, when the Texan singer was being billed as “the King Of Reggae” in England. Robin Campbell saw him perform back then and says the band have wanted to cover Cream Puff for years.

Labour Of Love IV is the first to feature another talented Campbell brother, Duncan, on lead vocals. Duncan would have been one of UB40’s vocalists right from the start had he not turned them down to pursue adventures around the world. Usually, when a world-famous band changes their lead singer, the transition isn’t exactly seamless. Duncan was a natural choice however - not only because he’s family but also because he sings with such feeling, like a man who’s come to claim his rightful legacy. Robin, Astro, Norman and Earl also sing lead vocals on various tracks on the album, and such versatility - twinned with UB40’s remarkable consistency - make it another wonderful addition to the series.

‘Get Along Without You Now’ was originally recorded by the Rocksteady vocal group the Melodians.

The band are also recording all the remaining dates on the UB40 tour, and these live CDs are still available to order from Concert Live’s official website for at-concert collection or home delivery and will also be available to order at each UB40 concert for fans to collect the second the show finishes. This is the ultimate collector’s item for any UB40 fan, and amazingly will be available for fans to collect at concert seconds after the final note has been played. This live CD can be ordered from Concert Live on the link below:

http://www.concertlive.co.uk/tour.php?id=87

*Note: CDs bought at the concert will have a blank third disc (encore disc) the content is redeemable by going to the Concert Live website and following the instructions outlined on your CD.

Order now to avoid disappointment!

The UB40 Live CD is presented in deluxe packaging and will feature every song from their bands live show and is strictly limited edition, with only 1,000 of each performance being created.  This is the ultimate collector’s item for any UB40 fan, and amazingly will be available for fans to collect at concert seconds after the final note has been played. This live CD can be ordered from Concert Live on the link below:

http://www.concertlive.co.uk/tour.php?id=87

*Event will be signing only. Fans can pick up free wristbands at hmv which allow them access to the event. 350 Wristbands will be available only from the hmv Birmingham High St. store from 9.00am on Wednesday 25 November. One wristband per customer maximum, in person only, while stocks last, subject to availability, at participating store only. Events are subject to change without notice.