Carelessly sneered at since their inception, UB40 have simply got on with it. They have done more to popularise reggae than anyone since Bob Marley and their eight-man line-up has remained unchanged. Even so, four best-of albums and three entitled Labour of Love suggests they need to take their career in hand. They are so reliant on cover versions that even the two tracks comprising the first single from Cover Up (their forthcoming album) are not originals. They did at least write the title track; its line about "sitting in the shade of my family tree" serves only to inspire hopes that they might deploy their songwriting more regularly.
UB40 seem to be indestructible: this hometown concert was billed as their 21st anniversary party. They are pop music's last gang - even laddishly pretending to follow Norman Lamont Hassan on stage for the encore only to leave him stranded and lost for words - and, as with all true gangs, they remain outsiders as far as the rest of the world is concerned. National treasure status may be half a decade away yet but, rest assured, it will come.
It takes effort to be this smooth. Singing aside, Ali Campbell seems to do little, save grin (in a manner a Cheshire cat would find overly toothsome), chew gum and watch elder brother Robin handling the between-song duties. Yet his moves are those of a boxer, and his voice remains strong and distinctive, whether he is sparring with Chrissie Hynde on I Got You Babe or playing the lascivious schoolboy against the imposing figure of Lady Saw on Since I Met You Lady. Behind the Campbells is a racial cornucopia, displaying effortless insouciance from keyboardist Michael Virtue and bassist Earl Falconer, who does an authentic ragga vocal turn on Reggae Music. In contrast, percussionist Hassan is a natural entertainer, spending Johnny Too Bad, his hoarse vocal showcase, kangaroo-hopping across stage.
The hits roll by. There's Tyler, a reminder of angrier - not necessarily better - times; Red Red Wine, a tiny song made big; and a glorious a cappella Can't Help Falling in Love. Robert Palmer resembles Ali Campbell's grandfather on I'll Be Your Baby Tonight and UB40 derive more pleasure than the crowd from reggae veteran Freddie McGregor, crooning the obscure You're Always Pulling Me Down: sometimes, the best birthday presents are the ones you give yourself.
