As part of their “Relentless Tour” across the U.S. this fall, UB40 made a stop in Los Angeles this past Thursday, performing at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown alongside their opener, The English Beat (known simply as The Beat in their native England).
UB40 and The English Beat are two sides of the same coin- both formed in 1978 in Britain, rising to prominence during the ska revival by blending reggae, Jamaican ska, and British new wave. Despite their parallel origin stories, the two groups each navigated lineup changes and evolving sounds, finding success and failure in different ways. Nearly five decades later, they’ve united for this joint American tour, celebrating their intertwined legacies.
Although my roommate and I may have been among the youngest in attendance, the energy in the Orpheum was anything but subdued. The theater’s lavish Beaux-Arts interior was lit up by the ska energy, as the audience danced and sang along to the pulse of steel drums, electric guitar and saxophone.
Formed in Birmingham, England, UB40 has spent decades sharing their signature reggae-infused sound with the world, selling over 100 million records and spending a combined 11 years on the UK album charts. Their setlist blended beloved cover renditions with original hits, each one met with roaring applause. The crowd especially lit up for “Red Red Wine” (originally by Neil Diamond) and “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (a reimagining of the Elvis Presley classic), two of their most famous renditions. Fans were also treated to originals like “One in Ten” and “Sing Our Own Song,” showcasing the band’s timeless appeal.
The English Beat opened the night with the same infectious energy that made them ska icons in the early ’80s. Similarly to UB40, The English Beat’s first performance was in Birmingham, in March 1979. Their three-album run between 1980 and 1982 cemented their influence, producing hits like “Mirror in the Bathroom” and “Save It for Later,” both of which thrilled the Los Angeles crowd.
Frontman Dave Wakeling, the original lead singer and songwriter, commanded the stage with charisma and heart. Spreading his arms wide, he shouted to the crowd, “I ran around for 45 years, always searching for something, until I got to L.A. today!” His performance carried both celebration and reflection, as he paid tribute to late bandmates Everett Morton, Ranking Roger (who was also his partner in the duo General Public), and Saxa.
By the night’s end, it was clear that both UB40 and The English Beat had rekindled the same spirit that first defined them nearly half a century ago, proving that the British ska of the 80’s vibrant heartbeat still echoes loudly through generations.
