The downpour that struck the Yorkshire town of Halifax did not dampen the spirits of British reggae legends UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell and the crowd at their headline June show, taking place at the historic English venue, The Piece Hall.
The building was originally built for the trading of cloth.
Described as ‘the sole survivor of the great eighteenth century Northern cloth halls’, now it houses an array of local businesses, and recently, entertainment.
UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell performed classics including ‘One in Ten’, ‘Homely Girl’ and even ‘Purple Rain’ in tribute to the wet conditions, to the smiling and sodden ‘sell-out crowd’ at their open-air show on June 18th.
‘I have to say that UB40 were absolutely class’ says Felix Hurlstone, a 20-year-old concertgoer.
‘When we got there, it [the venue] was practically full, and we knew more people were coming’.
The band, formed in Birmingham, are internationally renowned as one of the most successful reggae bands due to their decade-long commitments to music and chart-topping records that influence the likes of Billie Holiday and Bob Marley.
Campbell left the original band in 2008 and reunited with member Astro who left in 2013 to avoid further management issues. Tragically, Astro passed away in 2021 after completing their fourth album together.
‘Even though it was raining and we were all wet, it didn’t stop anyone from dancing. From having a good time’. Felix continued. ‘I didn’t bring a coat’.
‘Reggae Roast, the support act, were a perfect warm up’.
Despite the conditions mixing temperatures in low 20 degrees with heavy rain, photographs and reviews depict the concert as unmissable.
This summer the town will be greeted by acts for their Live at The Piece Hall events with guests including: Queens Of The Stone Age, Madness, Limp Bizkit, Florence and The Machine and Duran Duran until August.
UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell were announced by Nicky Chance-Thompson DL, the Piece Hall Trust’s Chief-Executive officer, who said: ‘We are so happy to announce reggae legends UB40 who no doubt will have you Singing Your Own Song here at The Piece Hall. It’s shaping up to be a real musical feast in 2023’.
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