Is ska really dead? Likelihood is most people would say yes, but people and bands like this seem to keep it alive. UB40 and Kid British came through town and played at Brighton Dome last night. It didn’t look dead to me. All the lighting, upbeat members of the group and neon-lit stage served as great reinforcements to kick start the adrenaline of the show. There set had a couple of songs I hadn’t heard before. I was hoping to hear their classics like “Elizabeth” and perhaps a cover of ‘Hot n Cold’ they have done, but that might be pushing it. ‘Lost in London’ was a pleasant surprise, though. Openers Kid British did a great job in warming up the crowd. Their musical style is definitely heavier than UB40’s.Their energy and passion was out of this world and proved worthy of a headlining show of their own in the near future.

Next up…UB40. As the lights went down and on walked Duncan, prompting the crowd to scream with excitement. It is safe to say that all of the tracks had that wonderful chilled out flavour; with amazing instrumentals (there were about five guys with saxophones and other jazz instruments) which, Im guessing has made UB40 an internationally successful band. ‘Kingston Town’,’ Red Red Wine’, ‘One in Ten’ and ‘Higher Ground’. These fantastic tunes lured the crowd off their seats; I’ve got to admit, the atmosphere was electric. A fantastic venue, complimented by an amazing support act in Kid British, surpassed only by the performance of UB40, who are every bit as vibrant and fresh as 30 years ago!

UB40 and Kid British
Brighton Dome
Sunday 31st October

Words by Andy Shamoon