The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Reggae legends UB40 thrill fans at Dundee waterfront concert
Thousands of fans brave rain for successful first concert at Slessor Gardens
Reggae band UB40 were the toast of Dundee after the Red, Red Wine singers headlined a triumphant first concert at Slessor Gardens.
Thousands of fans braved torrential downpours to pack into the venue for Saturday’s concert where they enjoyed five hours of music.
Over the preceding days, Slessor Gardens had been transformed into a music venue, with a large stage set up at the Caird Hall end of the arena.
Although Dundee endured torrential rain on Saturday afternoon, the sky had cleared by the time Jamaican group Raging Fyah took to the stage at 5pm.
The band might be relatively unknown in the UK, but they received an enthusiastic response from the Dundee crowd.
Singer and guitarist Kumar Bent said it had a privilege to be the first band to perform in Slessor Gardens.
He said: “It’s really crazy. There was a really good vibe – and the sun came out.”
His group was followed by The Original Wailers, who performed a number of Bob Marley’s best-known songs including Stir It Up and I Shot the Sheriff, before 1980s icons Level 42 swapped reggae for funk on the stage.
Even bassist and singer Mark King greeting the crowd with “Hello Aberdeen” failed to upset the party mood.
The rain returned as UB40 took the stage but with the sun still in the sky the band was greeted with a stunning sight of a rainbow arching over the V&A and the River Tay.
The band then delighted the crowd by running through some of their biggest hits including Rat in Mi Kitchen, One in 10 and Kingston Town.
They also covered Prince’s Purple Rain before closing proceedings with two of their biggest hits – Can’t Help Falling in Love with You and Red, Red Wine.
Police Scotland said there had been no incidents of note at Slessor Gardens during the concert.
The venue also got a big thumbs-up from fans.
Gary Robertson, 29, and Joni Burness, 25, were among the early arrivals. Gary said: “I’m very impressed. “The whole process coming through security was good and the site is good as well. I’m quite surprised at how big it is.
Friends Fiona Cargill and Michaelene Birse were also impressed.
“It’s really well set out,” said Michaelene.
The next band to perform at Slessor Gardens will be Little Mix, who will appear on Thursday June 29.
They will be followed by Olly Murs on July 20.
Promoters the Liz Hobbs Group has already said it wants to stage three more concerts at the venue next year.
The whole process coming through security was good and the site is good as well. GARY ROBERTSON