UB40

Named after a British unemployment form, UB40 brought politically conscious reggae out of Birmingham and into the mainstream. The 'Labour of Love' covers project gave them a global number one with 'Red Red Wine' and made reggae a permanent fixture of 80s pop radio.

Origin: Birmingham, England · Years active: 1978–present

Get the music

Search Amazon · Find copies on eBay

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These are partner links to Amazon and eBay product pages or searches; each link names the store it opens. RADIO 1980 may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices, editions, condition, delivery and availability are shown and checked on the retailer's site before checkout.

UB40 T-shirts

Retailer searches, not verified products. ‘Official licensed’ is a search term, not a licensing guarantee; check seller authenticity, sizing and delivery. US stores.

Search Amazon · Search eBay · Choose a local marketplace in Collect

Biography

Named after a British unemployment form, UB40 brought politically conscious reggae out of Birmingham and into the mainstream. The 'Labour of Love' covers project gave them a global number one with 'Red Red Wine' and made reggae a permanent fixture of 80s pop radio.

Key 1980s albums

Essential songs

Genres

ska-reggae · pop · new-wave

Upcoming concerts

Check the interactive concert directory for current source listings, dates and status. Artist associations may include tribute shows; read the full event title.

Browse all upcoming 80s concerts.

UB40 — quick answers

Who are UB40?
UB40 — Birmingham, England, active 1978–present. Named after a British unemployment form, UB40 brought politically conscious reggae out of Birmingham and into the mainstream. The 'Labour of Love' covers project gave them a global number one with 'Red Red Wine' and made
What did UB40 release in the 1980s?
RADIO 1980 lists 4 albums and 5 essential songs for UB40, covering 1981–1989.
Where can I check shows associated with UB40?
Open the interactive concert directory for current source listings. Check each full event title and provider before booking.

Help me choose my next concert

Compiled and fact-checked by the RADIO 1980 Editorial Team. Spotted something wrong? Send a correction.

Follow RADIO 1980 on TikTok