Taking its name from the unemployment form, ‘Signing Off’ was heralded as a landmark album when it was released in late August 1980.  Considered by many as one of the greatest reggae albums ever released by a British band, ‘Signing Off’ was well received amongst many music fans, including followers of punk and the 2 Tone movement, and struck a chord amongst a large proportion of the UK’s disaffected youth. Mixing reggae and dub, ‘Signing Off’ chronicled the times, and wider social and political issues, as well as the plight of communities throughout the country during the early Thatcher years.

‘Signing Off’ went on to attain Platinum status after spending 71 weeks in charts, peaking at #2. The album features hit singles ‘King’/‘Food For Thought’ and ‘I Think It’s Going to Rain Today’ (#4 & # 6 on the UK singles chart, respectively), along with other UB40 classics such as ‘Tyler’, ‘Madam Medusa’ and ‘Burden of Shame’.

The album artwork for ‘Signing Off’ also famously depicted a replica of the bright yellow unemployment card from which the Birmingham-based band took its name: Unemployment Benefit, Form 40.

Since the release of ‘Signing Off’, UB40 have become one of the most successful reggae groups of all time, with over forty UK Top 40 hit singles and sales of 80million records across the world.

UB40 saxophonist Brain Travers said, “2010 marks UB40’s 30th anniversary, three decades since we started this incredible journey. We had to ask ourselves “How can we celebrate? How can we say thanks to the fans for their unconditional support?” We decided to go back to where we started, downtown to the heart of the cities and the venues where we played our first gigs, then perform our first album ‘Signing Off’ in its entirety, something we have never done before. Of course, there will also be some surprises, but we’ll save them for the night.”

In addition to performing ‘Signing Off’ in it’s entirely, UB40 will perform a second set on the evening featuring some of the band’s most loved tracks.

To celebrate Signing Off’s 30^th anniversary, EMI will release a special, remastered double-CD together with a bonus DVD.

The UK dates are as follows:

October 25th – Liverpool Philarmonic
October 26th – Birmingham Symphony Hall
October 27th – Wolverhampton Civic Hall
October 29th – London Troxy
October 30th – London Shepherds Bush Empire
October 31st – Brighton Dome

November 2nd – Tue 2 Newcastle City Hall
November 3rd – Edinburgh Usher Hall
November 4th – Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
November 7th – Manchester Bridgewater Hall
November 8th – Preston Guildhall
November 10th – Southend Cliffs Pavillion
November 11th – Cardiff St Davids
November 15th – Leicester De Mont Fort Hall
November 16th – Cambridge Corn Exchange
November 18th – Ipswich Regent
November 19th – Southampton Guildhall

Tickets go on sale on Friday 16th July 2010 and, amongst other outlets, are available from www.kililive.com and 0844 871 8803.

                                                                                  www.ub40.co.uk

Unique live events limited and ub40 have agreed to organise a concert in the summer of 2011.

We apologise to every one who as supported this concert and assure them of a full ticket refund within 4 weeks.

Contribute Newly Recorded Tracks Set for release June 8 BURBANK, California — March 23, 2010 — The magic of Disney meets the magical isle of Jamaica, as Walt Disney Records readies an album of classic Disney songs newly recorded by a cross-section of top reggae musicians. The Disney Reggae Club features songs from immortal Disney animated films – from “The Little Mermaid” to “Jungle Book” – recorded by such esteemed artists as Grammy winning reggae legend Toots (of Toots & the Maytals fame), five time Grammy winner Ziggy Marley, reggae’s most prolific and long lasting production team Sly & Robbie, multiple Grammy winner Cedella Marley, Grammy winner Burning Spear, legendary British band UB40 and Hasidic rapper Matisyahu. The album is set to arrive in stores and at online retailers June 8. Artists and tracks included on the album are:

1. “Circle of Life” (from “The Lion King”) Performed by Matisyahu
2. “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” (from “The Lion King”) Performed by Cedella Marley
3. “The Bare Necessities” (from “The Jungle Book”) Performed by Steel Pulse
4. “The Lion Sleeps Tonight” (Desmond Dekker’s reggae classic also featured in “The Lion King”) Performed by Morgan Heritage
5. “What a Wonderful World” (Louis Armstrong classic) Performed by Ziggy Marley
6. “True to Your Heart” (from “Mulan”) Performed by The Wailing Souls
7. You’ve Got a Friend in Me (from “Toy Story) Performed by Sly & Robbie
8. “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah” (from “Song of the South”) Performed by Toots
9. “I Wan’na Be Like You” (from “The Jungle Book”)  Performed by UB40
10. “Ev’rybody Wants to Be a Cat” (from “The Aristocats”) Performed by Michael G & the Easy Star All-Stars
11. “Kiss The Girl” (from “The Little Mermaid”) Performed by Burning Spear
12. “Under The Sea” (from “The Little Mermaid”) Performed by Gregory Isaacs
13. “Find Yourself” (from “Cars”) Performed by Yellowman

“The genius of Disney songs is that they are timeless and adaptable to every musical genre,” said executive producer Brian Malouf. “Reggae is so joyous and spirited, we knew these songs would lend themselves perfectly. I’m happy to say the artists, many of them true legends of reggae, all jumped at the chance to participate. ”

*Check out our online shop to pre order your album today!*

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.