UB40’s Venue in Vegas

UB40 has been booming through the music industry since 1978, and they didn’t disappoint for this year’s Holo Holo.

On April 26, Holo Holo’s Music Festival of 2025 had the pleasure of showcasing UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, retired founding member and lead singer of the band, for a venue all the way in Las Vegas, Nevada. The festival’s program for that Saturday also featured other artists such as Common Kings, Josh Tatofi, Stan Walker, Ekolu, Mana'o Company, and High Watah.

Even though Ali Campbell departed from UB40 back in January 2008, they proved to maintain that spunk from the early 80s. They rocked the stage with a variety of bangers, especially Labour of Love II and other fan favorites, like Red Red Wine and Rat in Mi Kitchen.

The venue took place outdoors, and despite that, it was packed full of people and a hefty air of cigarette smoke. Both patrons and bystanders got the opportunity to tune into the event. As a matter of fact, people that checked into the hotel from across the Holo Holo festival had the chance to listen and watch the concert from their room windows.

Of course, that is not to ignore the fact that UB40’s founding member and beloved trumpeter, Terence Wilson, known by his stage name Astro, had passed away back on November 6, 2021. During the band’s play of “Kingston Town,” Astro was supposed to perform a trumpet solo, but due to his absence, they only let the instrumental play as a moment of silence to him. May he rest in peace.

Overall, it’s safe to say that their gig was a huge success in Vegas. Everyone at the venue had a good time, hopefully getting back to their homes safe, and from there, UB40 fans look forward to another great play from them.

Image courtesy of Juliana Su’a