UB40 are set to play a hometown concert at Birmingham’s LG Arena – on their first tour since their acrimonious split with singer Ali Campbell.

But it will be a long wait for fans, the gig isn’t until Monday December 21, 2009 – although tickets go on general sale tomorrow.

UB40’s live concerts have earned them a reputation as one of the best live bands in the world. This year alone, they have played sold-out concerts in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Uganda, USA, Bermuda, Holland Germany and Spain.

The Birmingham based reggae legends, representative of a diverse and multicultural Britain, have sold more than 70 million records, having achieved a remarkable tally of no fewer than 54 UK hit singles, including 17 UK Top 10 hits and three worldwide No 1’s.

In addition, UB40 are one of the few British bands to have broken the notoriously difficult US market.

UB40 have also confirmed that they are currently in the studio recording their new album, Labour of Love IV, the follow-up to Twentyfourseven.

* UB40 will perform at LG Arena at The NEC on Monday December 21, 2009. Tickets priced £35, plus booking and transaction fee, go on sale from 9am on Friday November 7, 2008.