UB40 to headline Navan Live
British reggae superstars UB40 have been confirmed as the headline act for this year's Navan Live music festival, which is set to take place in September. Now in its second year, the 2011 festival has been extended from a two-night music event in 2010 to three nights this year. The promoters, the Navan-based Profile Music Group, not only have bagged 1980s chart-toppers UB40 for this year, they also have confirmed a strong support line-up, which includes Paul Brady & Band, Declan O'Rourke, The Lost Brothers, The Buskateers, Henrietta Game, Red Queen Contest, The Whatmans and Chase so far for this year's festival. Tickets go on sale this Saturday, 20th March, at E2 Music, Navan and Mullingar, and on the Navan Live website (www.navanlive.ie). British reggae outfit UB40 were formed in 1978 in Birmingham. They have had more than 50 singles in the UK charts and, over the decades, have become one of the world's best-selling music artists, with over 70 million records sold. Number one hit singles include 'Red Red Wine' and 'Can't Help Falling In Love', as well as 'I Got You Babe'. Masters of the reggae love song, UB40 have taken reggae classics like 'Red Red Wine', 'Cherry Oh Baby', 'Kingston Town', 'Please Don't Make Me Cry' and 'Breakfast In Bed' to mainstream audiences the world over. Someone once claimed UB40 are to reggae what The Beatles and Rolling Stones were to American rhythm and blues. They are considered the ultimate gateway reggae band. Literally millions of people from across the globe have developed a love for Jamaican music after hearing UB40, and the band's commitment to their early influences is strong as ever. The band members began as friends who knew each other from various schools across Birmingham. The name UB40 was selected in reference to the document issued to people claiming unemployment benefit from the UK government's Department of Health and Social Security (DHSS) at the time of the band's formation. The designation UB40 stood for Unemployment Benefit, Form 40. Now as Navan Live's first international headline act, the Birmingham reggae act will grace the grounds of Teach Na Teamhrach, Navan, on Saturday 17th September. Onstage for the National Night, Friday 16th September, will be natives of Navan, The Lost Brothers, followed by Declan O'Rourke & Full Band, with Paul Brady & Full Band closing the night. Headlining the Local Night on Thursday 15th September will be The Buskateers, the band formed when all the top musicians of Navan got together to jam. With a total of 12 members, this show is certainly one to watch! Also onstage will be Red Queen Contest, The Whatmans and Chase. A host of additional free music and arts events also will be taking place around Navan to coincide with the music. The website www.navanlive.ie will have all the up-to-date information and news as it happens. A limited number of early bird tickets will be available from this Saturday at a price of €75 for all three gigs, representing a saving of €25.