UB40’s latest toast to 2026: a new vocalist, a fresh album, and a Las Vegas countdown that’s set to raise a glass of “Red Red Wine” in celebration.
The Countdown and the City
The Coast-to-Coast Countdown to 2026 show will take place in Las Vegas, beginning at 8 pm PT/11 pm ET on New Year’s Eve. A pre-show will start at 5 pm PT/8 pm ET exclusively on CTV, and viewers can stream the event on the station’s free CTV app across Roku, Apple TV, and Fire TV. The lineup includes Foreigner, Cheap Trick, Styx, Mac McAnally, the Kevin Cronin Band, UB-40, The Marshall Tucker Band, 38 Special, and Bri Bagwell.
UB40’s New Chapter
In 2021, the band announced that Matt Doyle, formerly of the reggae group Kioko, would become the new lead vocalist after Duncan Campbell’s retirement. Duncan, the brother of guitarist Robin Campbell and former bandmate of founder Ali Campbell, stepped back from the stage. “We love what we do,” guitarist Robin Campbell said when asked how the band felt about going into 2026. “In fact, we’re enjoying it more now than ever. I’m wiser because we’ve got new members and we got Matt as our lead vocalist.” Drummer Jimmy Brown added, “And also because we’re old.” He continued, “And every day above ground is a good day.”
The Legacy of UB40
The group formed in 1978, drawing its name from an unemployment benefit card issued to people claiming benefits from the UK government. “UB40” stands for Unemployment Benefit, Form 40. At the time of its inception, half of the members were unemployed and the other half had left their jobs to join the band. “When we formed the band, half of the guys were unemployed, and the other half that had jobs gave them up to form the band,” Campbell explained. The band has had 18 members throughout its history. Their first album was released on Aug. 29, 1980.
UB40’s most famous single, “Red Red Wine,” was originally written, performed, and recorded by Neil Diamond. The band’s 1983 cover reached No. 1 in the UK and enjoyed success in the United States. The track now boasts more than 800 million streams on Spotify. “We love making new music, and we still play that in the sets,” Campbell added when asked about performing hits such as “Red Red Wine.” “But it’s just a joy to play those old songs and have people sing them back to you. And, you know, there’s nothing better because it’s all about the emotional communication, you know, with your audience.”
The Vegas Experience
During a Las Vegas performance, drummer Jimmy Brown recalled a misstep: “We were playing outside, and I mean, it’s all right, all the lights and fountains and everything’s going up,” he remembered. “And we did ‘Strange Fruit,’ the Billie Holiday tune, and it went down like a lead balloon in the front. It was much too serious and dark and for anybody in Vegas to enjoy, you know? So, that was a mistake.” The band subsequently removed the song from their setlist.
What to Expect in 2026
The band has hinted at new material, with an untitled album slated for release. “Buy their new album, which as of Dec. 12 remained untitled,” Brown advised fans. “We don’t plan ahead that far,” he said before Campbell chimed in that they were working on another album “as we speak.” Matt Campbell, the backing vocalist and Robin’s son, added, “Touring as always. We’re looking at going to, you know, our normal kind of roots, Europe, you know, America, going to Australia, New Zealand, you know, it’s very cyclical. Everything that we do and we really enjoy it.”
Key Takeaways
- UB40 welcomes new lead vocalist Matt Doyle after Duncan Campbell’s retirement.
- The band’s celebrated single “Red Red Wine” continues to resonate, with over 800 million Spotify streams.
- A Las Vegas Coast-to-Coast Countdown to 2026 will feature UB40 and other major acts, beginning at 8 pm PT/11 pm ET on New Year’s Eve.
The Coast-to-Coast Countdown to 2026 promises a night of classic hits, new music, and a celebration of UB40’s enduring legacy. Fans are encouraged to tune in on the free CTV app or stream the event online for exclusive bonus content.
