UB40 announce ‘Signing Off’ tour

Birmingham reggae stalwarts UB40 have announced details of an autumn tour to mark the 30th anniversary of seminal debut album Signing Off.

The dates will include two appearances in their native Midlands, at Birmingham’s Symphony Hall on October 26 followed by a show at Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall the next day on October 27.

They will perform their debut album in its entirety as part of the special run of shows.

Taking its name from the unemployment form, Signing Off was heralded as a landmark album when it was released in late August 1980, being well received by music lovers, reggae fans and followers of punk and 2Tone.

Mixing reggae and dub, Signing Off chronicled the times, and wider social and political issues, as well as the plight of communities throughout the country during the early Thatcher years.

It went on to attain Platinum status after spending 71 weeks in charts, peaking at number two, featuring hit singles King, Food For Thought and I Think It’s Going to Rain Today.

The album artwork also famously depicted a replica of the bright yellow unemployment card from which the Birmingham-based band took its name: Unemployment Benefit, Form 40.

UB40 saxophonist Brian Travers said: “2010 marks UB40’s 30th anniversary, three decades since we started this incredible journey. We had to ask ourselves ‘How can we celebrate? How can we say thanks to the fans for their unconditional support?’

“We decided to go back to where we started, downtown to the heart of the cities and the venues where we played our first gigs, then perform our first album Signing Off in its entirety, something we have never done before. Of course, there will also be some surprises, but we’ll save them for the night.”

UB40 will perform a second set on the evening featuring some of the band’s most loved tracks.

The band rank as one of the biggest selling reggae acts of all time, selling more than 80 million records worldwide.

Original frontman Ali Campbell left the group in 2008 to pursue his solo career, but the band now includes his older brother Duncan Campbell.

Tickets go on sale from Friday 16th July 2010 and are available from here.

To celebrate Signing Off’s 30th anniversary, EMI will release a special, remastered double-CD together with a bonus DVD.