Ub40

On 13 June 2026, UB40 plays Leeds Arena in Leeds. Born in late-70s Birmingham, the group first carved out a place with socially grounded reggae before leaning into a more melodic blend of reggae, pop and rock. From the dub-tinged punch of Signing Off and Present Arms to the Labour of Love series reworking 60s and 70s reggae standards, UB40 has long balanced originals and covers, with brass up front, a mid-tempo pulse and space for version work.

On stage, that mix becomes warm grooves, tight horn lines and unhurried swing. The set can move from early, politically charged tracks to the smoother side that carried them through the 90s, without losing the steady skank that defines their sound. Line-up changes over the years didn’t erase the signature: a catalogue built for live dynamics, basslines that carry the room and choruses many know by heart. This date is a snapshot of that trajectory, bringing decades of UK reggae to a venue built for it.