UB40, Bournemouth International Centre AS soon as Eddy Grant took to the stage at the BIC to warm up the crowd for UB40, everyone knew they were in for a real treat.
It seemed the veteran singer was reluctant to leave the crowd who were loosened up by the sweet sounds and reggae moves of hits Electric Avenue and I Don’t Wanna Dance.
A producer even came on stage to have a quiet word with the reggae star before he told the crowd ‘he wants me to make it quick’ to a resounding boo around the centre.
You could feel the happy vibes in the packed out BIC and sense the excitement before UB40 burst on stage to spectacular lighting effects of different colours for the main event.
We were spoilt with all the old favourites and some new ones during the two-hour set for the Labour of Love tour.
I have to admit I felt a tad disappointed I was stuck to a seat and wanted to be among the sea of heads bopping along to classics like Red Red Wine, Kingston Town and (I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You) and grabbing the nearest member of the opposite sex.
Nevertheless, even confined to a seat, I noticed everyone around me could not resist jigging along and smiling at the feel-good factor this band always bring with them.
More than thirty years since the group formed, they sounded better than ever.
TARA RUSSELL
© Copyright 2001-2012 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.dailyecho.co.uk/trade_directory/