Two of the UK’s best-loved bands are set to perform a rare double-header at Hampshire’s Broadlands outdoor concert ground this June when UB40 opens a special weekend of pure live entertainment on Saturday 26 June, with Simply Red performing the following night.
Having sold over 70 million records, placed more than 50 singles - and over 20 albums - in the UK charts, UB40 are an established and immediately recognisable force with their unique reggae fusion style.
Formed in Birmingham in 1978, UB40 have been at the top of their field for more than three decades. Comprising eight permanent members and three guest members, including Maxi Priest (since 2008), UB40 have scored massive hits with songs such as Red Red Wine, Can’t Help Falling in Love and their internationally successful cover of Sonny & Cher’s I Got You Babe.
UB40 will be joined by special guests, The Dualers, following the huge reception they received at the venue when supporting Madness there in July ‘09.
In the 25 years since their first single release, 1985’s Money’s Too Tight (To Mention) - which launched them on the road to stardom - Simply Red have sold more than 50 million albums across 14 releases, of which, five hit the No.1 spot in the UK chart, with 1991’s Stars producing such phenomenal sales the album reached 12xPlatinum and became the best selling album in Europe for two years running.
Simply Red, along with lead singer Mick Hucknall, became household names with the release of their second single, 1986’s Holding Back the Years - a soulful cover originally recorded by a punk band formerly fronted by Hucknall - and have secured a string of hits, including If You Don’t Know Me By Now, Something Got Me Started and, of course, 1995’s hugely successful Fairground.
As part of their Farewell Tour, following Mick Hucknall’s announcement that the band will split at the end of 2010, Simply Red will provide the second night of enthralling entertainment at the Broadlands special double-header and one of the last opportunities to see them perform live.
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