UB40 to perform free concert for Birmingham City fans at St Andrew's - here's when & tickets

UB40 have joined forces with Birmingham City Football Club for the world premiere of the group’s new album - and fans who attend the club’s upcoming home match with Preston will get to see the group perform for free.

The reggae icons, who formed in Birmingham, are working with Blues to officially launch the club’s naming rights partnership on April 1, 2024, with the world premiere of the band’s new album UB45.

The club's Amercian owners, Knighthead Capital Management, took over the reins at Birmingham in June 2023. St Andrew's is officially being renamed St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park stadium, with the official launch set to take place in collaboration with UB40's world tour.

The event will be UB40’s ‘kick-off’ concert for its extensive 2024 World Tour. The club will unveil new St. Andrew’s stadium branding at the event. The concert is part of an ‘Easter Day Double Header’ with the Championship match against Preston North End which kicks off at 3pm.

The UB40 concert is included in the price of the ticket for the match.

The concert will take place after the match, starting at 5.45 pm and last one hour. Fans can expect to hear the much-loved classic hits along with a sprinkling of new material from the upcoming ‘UB45’ album on a pre-built stage behind the goal in the lower Gil Merrick stand.

The concert is in partnership with Greatest Hits Radio, the country’s most-listened-to commercial radio station, and will be hosted by presenter Jenny Powell.

What’s been said about the concert?

Garry Cook, Chief Executive, Birmingham City Football Club said: “St. Andrew’s on April 1 is going to be a celebration of Birmingham – the city’s football team and its favourite band UB40. We are delighted to be able to offer our fans a free concert of this stature to celebrate our new naming rights partnership”.

Robin Campbell of UB40 said: “UB40 and Blues are Birmingham. It has always been the band’s ambition to play at St. Andrew’s @ Knighthead Park again. We did it in 1989 and it was amazing. We would like to thank Garry Cook and his team for the opportunity to make our dream a reality.

“Our music is from the terraces and streets of this great city. Everything we do starts in and speaks of Birmingham. So, we could not be prouder to perform a World Premiere of the new album and kick off our World Tour after the Preston match at a place that we call home.”

Jenny Powell, Greatest Hits Radio presenter, added: “I consider myself an honorary member of UB40 as every time I see them perform, I can’t help but get on stage with them for a dance!  I’m a huge fan and am so excited to be hosting this amazing homecoming gig.  Welcoming Robin, Jimmy, Matt and the boys to the stage is going to be pretty special – see you there!” 

How to get tickets

Season ticket holders will automatically receive their ‘Easter Monday Double Header’ ticket.

Tickets will go on sale:

• Priority Booking - March 18th at 10am For Blues fans that have purchased three or more home games during the 2023/4 season

• General Sale - March 20th at 10am
• All remaining Blues Fans