Ali, Astro & Mickey of UB40 to play Bend
Published 12:45 pm Wednesday, April 5, 2017
- UB40 Featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey (Submitted photo)
Longtime UB40 members Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue will bring a taste of “Red Red Wine” to the Athletic Club of Bend on July 11.
The 11-piece band, billed as UB40 Featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey, is the first act to be announced for this summer’s Clear Summer Nights concert series. The series will revert to its original name this year after many years as Peak Summer Nights, after former title sponsor, radio station Peak 104.1. This year’s title sponsor is All Seasons RV & Marine.
Doors open at 6 p.m. July 11, and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $52 for general admission or $100 for dinner tickets, and can be purchased at newportavemarket.com, 541-382-3940 or in person at Newport Avenue Market. Visit clearsummernights.com for more information.
Grammy-nominated, English reggae/pop band UB40 formed in the late ’70s and is best known for singles such as “Red Red Wine” and its version of “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Founding vocalist Ali Campbell left the group in 2008, followed that same year by keyboardist virtue and, in 2013, backing vocalist Astro. In 2014, Campbell, Astro and Virtue began touring as UB40, leading to some much-publicized acrimony and legal action between the three musicians and their former, still-touring band. In November, Campbell, Astro and Virtue released “Unplugged,” featuring re-imagined UB40 songs alongside a greatest-hits disc.