UB40. Photo by Chyrisse VNT_2608-Photo by Chyrisse Tabone — UB40. Photo by Chyrisse

By Wendy Hunter, Journalist, and Chyrisse Tabone, Photographer – Rock At Night, Tampa

Live Review: UB40 – Relentless Tour with Special Guest The Fixx – The Baycare Sound, Clearwater, Florida – August 21, 2025

UB40: New Musical Express (NME) Awards for Best New British Act 1980 and for Best Reggae Act 19

Dan K. Brown of The Fixx. Photo by Chyrisse.

It was hot at the Baycare Sound amphitheater, a sweltering 88 degrees. But the waterside venue’s open walls and gentle breezes eased the heat a bit for the chatty crowd filling the seating areas. Maybe it was the anticipation of experiencing the sights and sounds of UB40 and The Fixx that held us all together. From working-class roots to reggae masters, UB40 hails from Birmingham, England, and the band began their musical journey in 1978. To date, UB40 has sold over 100 million records! But first on stage was The Fixx, a New Wave band that formed in 1979 with a unique sound that blossomed during the MTV era. I glanced around and saw hundreds of concertgoers laughing and waiting in anticipation for the show to start.

Jamie West-Oram and Cy Curnin of The Fixx. Photo by Chyrisse.

Londoners The Fixx kicked off with their signature new wave energy and the song “Red Skies,” with a great guitar solo, creating an 80s-filled vibe. Many in the crowd began singing along. All band members are original: Cy Curnin (vocals), Rupert Greenall (keyboards), Jamie West-Oram (guitar), Adam Woods (drums), and Dan K Brown (bass). Subdued lighting and a visual displaying “the FIXX” in bright blue letters appeared behind the band. The member’s electrifying new wave energy haunted the crowd with Greenall’s moody synths setting the night ablaze. West-Oram’s guitar was spot on, creating an energy-filled venue. The Fixx are about people and politics with lyrics set to a driving beat. A standout song was “Driven Out,” a raw-edge and politically charged track about environmental and social chaos. It hit hard with West-Oram’s gritty guitar, Woods’ drum work, Brown’s bass, and Curnin’s passionate delivery, sparking the crowd. The message was timed perfectly and felt like it was new wave fare written for 2025. The song “Are We Ourselves,” an introspective gem, questioned society and identity, felt so right, and had the concert goers electrified. The tune “Deeper and Deeper” had the crowd dancing in the front rows, while the guitar solo was killer. The hits “One Thing Leads To Another” and “Saved By Zero,” had the dancing crowd loving every second despite the heat. The Fixx left the sweltering crowd buzzing for UB40’s reggae grooves to follow.

UB40 felt the vibe and transformed that steamy night into a reggae paradise. The smiles on the faces of the band members said it all as they gathered on stage. There are four founding members: Jimmy Brown (drums/lyricist/syncopated drumming), Robin Campbell (guitars/vocals lyricist), Earl Falconer (bass/vocals), and Norman Lamont Hassan (percussion/vocals), along with new members Matt Doyle (Vocals), Martin Meredith (Keyboards/WX7/Saxophone), Laurence Parry (Trumpet/Flugal/Trombone), Ian Thompson (Saxophone/Keyboards/Percussion), Jahred Gordon (Keyboards/Guitar/ Bass/Saxophone), Gilly G (Mc/Vocals), and Matt Campbell (Backing Vocals). Now that’s a lineup!

Reggae is all about syncopated rhythm, social justice, Rastafarianism, love, and spirituality, which UB40’s music exudes. The crowd went electric with the first tune, “Here I Am.” Most were standing and cheering as two saxophones belted out their sounds. Dancing or swaying to the music for all ages heated up in the crowd. Other iconic love songs included “Maybe Tomorrow,” “The Way You do the Things You Do,” and “I’ll be Your Baby Tonight.” UB40 nailed those romantic classics. It’s their chemistry, how the band’s horns and percussion brought a layered sound, that had everyone moving. The tune “Many Rivers to Cross” had a spiritual feel, with Doyle’s wailing vocals, the horns of Meredith, Parry, and Thompson, and fog permeating the stage with soft blue and white lighting shining through. It was Gordon’s keyboard that opened “Sing Our Own Song,” a song of sorrow for these brothers and sisters who have passed. It’s a song of fighting for freedom and personal rights. The newer tune “Home” is from the 2025 album called UB45. Doyle penned it and it was Parry’s haunting trumpet and perfect harmonies with Gilly G, and both M. and R. Campbell that stood out. Hassan’s raspy, powerful voice was a hit on “Johnny Too Bad,” as he danced around the stage bringing cheers from he concertgoers. During the song, “Cherry Oh Baby,” which lit up the night, the concert listeners were standing, cheering, and waving arms to and fro in joyful unison to the infectious rhythm. Just as “Red Red Wine” began, the crowd erupted into a sing-along and a sway-along, too. It was UB40’s chemistry with horns and percussion, bringing a multi-layered sound that had everyone moving, along with Falconer’s melodic and foundational bass and Brown’s drumming. Doyle’s smooth delivery was an exceptional crowd pleaser. Their infectious energy made the sweaty dance party unforgettable.

Robin Campbell of UB40. Photo by Chyrisse.

UB40’s influences are, among others, blues, Bob Marley, and Elvis, all shining brightly through their music. UB40 is so beloved in their native England that they were given a rare heritage plaque where they first performed. They are only the eighth act to receive this honor. And they are also loved here in Florida. UB40’s talents brought Clearwater chilled, romantic, multi-layered sounds that brought complete strangers together dancing in the tropical heat. And The Fixx, an iconic new wave band, wowed us with their edgy lyrics and hit tunes. This event was at the top of my list this year. I hope you get a chance to enjoy a night with UB40 and The Fixx.