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UB40 plays Waikiki Shell
The islands' favorite reggae band from West Coventry, England, UB40, makes a welcome return to Honolulu this weekend after a five-year absence, this time for two consecutive shows at the Waikiki Shell.
(The band wraps up a mini-interisland tour here, having played Hilo on Tuesday and Maui yesterday.)
Both island radio stations and many local homes regularly play the band's classic 1983 "Labour of Love" album, which included covers of such reggae standards as "Many Rivers to Cross," "Cherry Oh Baby," "Johnny Too Bad" and, of course, the rocksteady version of Neil Diamond's "Red Red Wine" that gave UB40 a worldwide smash hit.
The band is also getting airplay with its recent version of the Police's "Every Breath You Take," featured on the Hawaii-filmed "50 First Dates" soundtrack.
Fronted by the charismatic Ali Campbell, the mixed-race UB40 has made a 20-plus year career of being reggae's premiere crossover band.
The eight-piece group -- which includes Campbell's brother Robin, Astro, Michael Virtue, Brian Travers, Earl Falconer, James Brown and Norman Hassan -- were last in the islands back in '99, still riding the success of their previous American hit of six years back of still yet another cover, this time Elvis Presley's "Can't Help Falling in Love With You," featured in The King's "Blue Hawaii" movie.
» Place: Waikiki Shell
» Time: 7 p.m. today and tomorrow
» Tickets: $25 general advance ($30 at the door) and $45
» Call: 591-2211
www.ub40-dep.com
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