UB40 – The Trusts Arena, 10 October 2024: Review

Paul Marshall and Photos by Leonie Moreland

11th October 2024

UB40, it’s been an age since I’ve caught a show at Trust Arena featuring a band with this kind of legendary status.

The last time was an unforgettable final performance by Keith Flint with The Prodigy, right before that strange global lockdown flipped the world upside down.

But tonight, there’s a different kind of infectious energy in the air, one that’s catchy but far from lethal. With UB40 headlining and Eagle-Eye Cherry opening, this is shaping up to be another night for the books.

As the crowd filtered into the stadium, it was clear that tonight’s audience was an eclectic mix. People of all ages and walks of life.

I half-expected a sea of Rastafarians draped in red, yellow, and green, puffing on their favourite flavoured herbal remedies. But instead, I spotted a blend of hipsters, a few fully kitted in black Westie gear, some with dreadlocks, and most looking like your everyday Joe.

Despite their differences, they all shared a deep love for Reggae and that laid-back one love vibe. It was easily one of the most chilled, fun-loving crowds I’ve seen a testament to the kind of energy UB40 brings to their shows.

Let the night begin.

For the eagle-eyed, or rather eagle-eared among you, the unmistakable Rock’n’roll vibes of Eagle-Eye Cherry are impossible to miss. His signature sound, a blend of Hothouse Flowers’ soulful energy, Jellyfish’s quirky pop sensibility, and just a touch of Roachford’s smooth groove, resonates as distinctively today as it did decades ago.

It’s been more than 25 years since Save Tonight catapulted Swedish singer-songwriter Eagle-Eye Cherry into global stardom.

The track became a worldwide anthem, emerging from Desireless, an album originally intended for a modest independent release in Europe.

The unexpected success of that record launched Cherry into a career that continues to evolve, with his recent album, Back on Track (2023), offering fresh material that complements and expands upon the songs that first put him in the spotlight.

Coming from music royalty (his father is jazz great Don Cherry), and his half-sister is none other than 80s icon Neneh Cherry, Eagle-Eye’s lineage is steeped in creative genius.

Fun fact. Neneh is still making waves herself, with her latest release Immortal Queen (2024) featuring collaborations with Chaka Khan and Australia’s own Sia.

Kicking off the night with the riveting This Paralysis, Cherry eased the crowd into his familiar sound, his raspy vocals and steady guitar leading the way.

By the second track, I Like It, it was clear that this live rendition outshone the recorded version, with the raw energy of electric and acoustic guitars taking centre stage, lifting the song far beyond its studio synth elements.

Everyone feeling alright? Cherry asked the crowd, eliciting an enthusiastic roar in response. He followed it up with One of Those Days, a heavier-hitting track where the synths echoed The Killers, and the rock edge recalled 80s Roachford.

By this point, the audience was fully engaged, hanging on his every word, and he knew exactly how to keep the momentum going.

Are you still having fun? he teased, before launching into the 2000 anthem Are You Still Having Fun? Complete with infectious hooks and a chorus that demanded a singalong.

The set was a celebration of 90s and early 2000s Indie Rock, with Cherry exuding effortless cool throughout. Dressed in a black Peace t-shirt and long black trench coat, he performed with a kind of calm confidence that radiated dignity. No gimmicks, just pure honest music.

And of course, it all came down to the finale. With Desireless now over 25 years old, it was inevitable that the night would close with Save Tonight. As the first strums of the song rang out, the crowd erupted, and for a few glorious minutes, it felt like 1997 all over again.

Auckland’s Trust Arena was soaked in red, red wine and sweet Reggae rhythms as UB40, one of the planet’s most iconic Reggae bands, delivered a set that flawlessly merged nostalgia with a fresh burst of energy.

With over four decades in the game, UB40 proved they’ve still got the magic to captivate fans of all ages.

From the first note, the crowd, ranging from die-hards who’ve been there since the early ’80s, to younger faces likely introduced to Reggae through their parents’ playlists, erupted in applause.

A sea of phones was raised, recording the moment for the ‘Gram, or maybe TikTok.

Opening with Here I Am (Come and Take Me), the band reminded everyone why their unique fusion of Reggae, Pop, and Soul has made them timeless. It’s a sound that keeps UB40 relevant, not just a relic of yesteryears.

UB40’s story is as much about family drama and musical camaraderie as it is about their iconic tunes. Born in Birmingham in 1978 and named after an unemployment form, the band’s long journey has seen its share of splits and fallouts.

Robin Campbell, not to be confused with his brother Ali Campbell (the original frontman) has kept the UB40 legacy alive, now in two incarnations.

In 2024 UB40 with Robin Campbell, are marking this milestone with the Red Red Wine Tour, a fitting tribute to their 45-year career.

Despite the line-up changes over the years, tonight’s band was the closest incarnation to the original setup. And they delivered a masterclass in Reggae, cruising through a setlist filled with hit after hit.

But it wasn’t just the classics that kept the arena moving. Sure, the crowd lit up when Food for Thought and One in Ten echoed through the venue, sending waves of nostalgia.

Yet, newer tracks from their For the Many album stood their ground.

The Keeper, with its thick, rootsy bass and infectious rhythm, showed UB40’s genius for staying true to their sound while keeping things fresh.

One standout of the night was the effortless connection between the band and the Auckland audience. With his thick Brummie accent, Robin Campbell charmed the crowd, telling them how lovely it was to be there and proudly celebrating 45 years together, which drew a roar louder than a Birmingham FC goal on home turf.

And then came the moment everyone was waiting for. As soon as the opening chords of Red Red Wine hit, the arena exploded. The crowd belted out the lyrics, practically drowning out the band. It was one of those rare moments where every single person in the room was vibing on the same level, united by that timeless anthem.

UB40’s Auckland gig wasn’t just a nostalgic trip. It was a celebration of a band that’s stayed true to its roots while evolving along the way.

A perfect balance of old-school classics and newer jams, all wrapped up in that unmistakable UB40 sound. By the time they wrapped up with the classic Can’t Help Falling in Love, the night felt complete. The crowd’s applause lingered, and even after the last note had faded, no one seemed ready to let go of the Reggae buzz filling the air.

Paul Marshall