UB40 tour continues ‘Labour of Love’ in U.S. this spring

Long-running British reggae troupe UB40 will bring its 2009 Labour of Love Tour to the U.S. this spring before hitting the UK at the end of the year. The outing begins April 10 at Snoqualmie Casino in Snoqualmie, WA, and ends May 8 at Keswick Theatre in Glenside, PA.

The 18-city trek will focus primarily on the West Coast, highlighted by an April 13 gig at McMenamins Crystal Ballroom in Portland, OR, and an April 21concert at Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, CA. The band will also complete one date in Canada on April 11 at Red Robinson Theatre in Coquitlam, BC, as well as a handful of East Coast dates, including a May 7 show at Nokia Theatre Times Square in New York, NY.

Founded in 1978, UB40 has produced dozens of studio and live albums, including the compilation “Love Songs,” released in early February. The band’s cover of “Red, Red Wine,” from the album “Labour of Love,” became a ubiquitous hit and topped the Hot 100 chart in 1988. The group is currently working on the next studio album “Labour of Love IV.”

UB40 is composed of drummer James Brown, guitarist/vocalist Robin Campbell, bassist/vocalist Earl Falconer, percussionist/vocalist Norman Hassan, saxophonist Brian Travers, and vocalist/trumpeter Astro. Former lead singer and founding member Ali Campbell left the band in 2008 after 30 years.

“I have been deeply unhappy with administrative practices and with many decisions that have been made in recent years,” Campbell explained in a statement. He said that he was most upset at having to leave behind such a dedicated fanbase, but noted, “I know UB40 will carry on successfully without me and I wish them all the best.”

Campbell’s statement contrasted an earlier press release from the band that said the singer was leaving to more actively pursue his solo career.

UB40 itinerary:
(Dates are subject to change.)