Two English bands formed in the same place (Birmingham) and in the same year (1978) held court at the Palace Theatre in Albany on September 11. UB40 and the English Beat brought the crowd back through the memories.

Review by Cheryl Bielli / Photos by Tom Bielli for NYS Music

UB40’s Martin Meredith at the Palace Theatre in Albany (September 11, 2025) – photo by Tom Bielli for NYS Music

Percussionist Hassan stole the show briefly for the second to last number in the regular set, “Johnny Too Bad,” a Slickers cover.  “We’re taking you way back,” Hassan said in his low, raspy voice, then led the vocals, improvised dance moves and antics, hooted and mobilized the whole band to leave their usual spots and interact on stage with musical mini-solos and a vocal duet between  Hassan and G.

– Cheryl Bielli for NYS Music

Photos by Timothy Reidy for RadioRadioX

UB40’s Gilly G at the Palace Theatre in Albany, N.Y. (September 11, 2025) – photo by Timothy Reidy for RadioRadioX

Review and Photos by Ed Conway for Mirth Films

For such a great show, it was shocking to see the big palace space barely half full.  While I’m sure it must have been disappointing to both bands, it didn’t deter them from putting on a great show.  The crowd may not have been big, but at least half of the audience stood and danced, both at their seats and the aisles, throughout both sets, only pausing during the intermission.

– Ed Conway for Mirth Films

Review by Mark Hudson for the Daily Gazette

Wakeling set the mood of the night early, saying, “If you look at the news on TV, we’re either heading for World War III or whatever. How would you like to not think about that for a couple of hours?”

The crowd roared in agreement, with a night of positive vibes and dancing to follow.

– Mark Hudson for the Daily Gazette