Rotorua couldn't help falling in love with UB40

By MIKE MATHER in Rotorua
Who says Rotorua can't come out to play when a good band comes to town?

It was hard to put a figure on exactly how many people crammed themselves into the venue affectionately known as The Hangi Pit to see and hear reggae superstars UB40 last night, but the predicted crowd of 10,000 seemed a suddenly very conservative estimate. Although the official gate numbers have not yet been released, it seemed that at least a good 15,000 were present, thanks in part to perfect weather.

But of course UB40 are a band with legions of followers in New Zealand and the Bay of Plenty is a real stronghold. Many of the band's followers are well into their 40s but the hordes of teenagers present proved they had a wide demographic.

It was unsurprisingly a mellow vibe on the night. The laid back atmosphere was assisted by the smells of a decidedly herbal nature frequently wafting over the crowd.

Warm up act for the night were Auckland blues/pop/folk/rock/funk band Lucid 3, an interesting choice, given their relatively low profile - a status that belies their two superb albums. Although their set was flawless, the band are suited to a more intimate setting than an international stadium.

UB40's set was heralded by a sensational light show, not just from the stage but from the sea of cellphones clutched in raised hands to take pictures.

First song in was the band's breakthrough hit Food for Thought, a meditation on Third World poverty that is as relevant and catchy now as it was 25 years ago.

Although some unkind souls have said UB40 are musically a spent force, that was not exactly evident from the new tracks, which stood up well against the old, particularly the title track off the latest album Who You Fighting For and fresh songs Bling Bling and Kiss and Say Goodbye.

There is no shortage of hits in their back catalogue and out they tumbled: I Can't Help Falling In Love With You, Homely Girl, Red Red Wine and Rat In Mi Kitchen, "dedicated to Rotorua" announced vocalist and toastmaster Astro to rapturous applause.

The show closed with One in 10

- a perfect end to an outstanding show. As the crowd slowly filed out of the stadium, it was hard to spot a face that was not bearing a wide smile. With luck this will be but the first of many top acts to play in the Rotorua.