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UB40 announce new dates for first tour with new vocalist Matt Doyle

UB40 have announced the new dates for their first tour with vocalist Matt Doyle.

The KIOKO band member replaced Duncan Campbell, 63, after he was forced to end his tenure in the reggae legends to focus on his recovery from a stroke in August 2020.

The band subsequently announced the extensive 24-date ‘Bigga Baggariddim Tour’, which was due to take place at the end of 2021.

However, due to a rise in COVID-19 cases, the shows were postponed.

The ‘Red, Red Wine’ group are now set to hit the road in May, kicking off at the Brighton Centre on May 1, with the run set to wrap at the newly-renamed London OVO Arena, Wembley on December 21.

The shows will see the live debut of their new track, ‘Champion’, which was penned for the multi-artist LP ‘On Record’ as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival ahead of the arrival of the Commonwealth Games later this year.

Robin Campbell, Guitarist and Vocalist, commented: “We’re so excited to finally be going back on the road and feel the vibe and love of a live crowd, and for all the UB40 fans to meet Matt as well. They can expect a phenomenal show. We’ll be sure to bring the party.”

Fans can expect classics such as ‘Food For Thought’, ‘Kingston Town’, ‘(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You’ and ‘Red, Red Wine’, plus tracks from their latest collaborative album ‘Bigga Baggariddim’.

Duncan confirmed his exit in a statement in June, which read: “Unfortunately, due to continued ill health, I have reluctantly decided to retire from the band so as to focus on my recovery.

“I am very grateful, and would like to express my sincere thanks to the fans for all their support during this time and indeed throughout my time with UB40.

“The band have my full support going forward and, of course, my very best wishes for the future with their new singer.”

UB40 formed in Birmingham in 1978.

Duncan replaced brother Ali Campbell in 2008 after he left over a disagreement about management.

Ali went on to tour as UB40 Featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey.

Tickets for the tour are on sale now via biglink.to/UB40Tickets.

UB40 ‘Bigga Baggariddim’ TOUR DATES

MAY

FRI 01 BRIGHTON Brighton Centre

SAT 08 MANCHESTER O2 Apollo

TUE 10 PLYMOUTH Pavilion

WED 11 CARDIFF Motorpoint Arena

FRI 13 PORTSMOUTH Guildhall

SAT 14 NORWICH UEA

SUN 15 STOKE Victoria Hall

TUE 17 LIVERPOOL Olympia

WED 18 NOTTINGHAM Rock City

FRI 20 NORTHAMPTON Derngate Hall

SAT 21 CHELTENHAM Centraur

MON 23 HULL Bonus Arena

WED 25 EDINBURGH Usher Hall

THU 26 GLASGOW Barrowland Ballroom

FRI 27 ABERDEEN Music Hall

SUN 29 STOCKTON Globe

TUE 31 BOURNEMOUTH O2 Academy

JUNE

WED 01 BRISTOL O2 Academy

DECEMBER

FRI 09 BELFAST Ulster Hall

SAT 10 CASTLEBAR The Royal Theatre Event Centre

SUN 18 BIRMINGHAM Utilita Arena

TUE 20 LEEDS First Direct Arena

WED 21 LONDON OVO Arena, Wembley