IPSWICH: UB40’s Way Of Thinking back in 1979 was can’t get a job, so let’s form a band.

Within months they were in the charts, opening for The Pretenders on tour and making the now-seminal reggae album Signing Off.

Thirty years on, they’re on tour celebrating the early days and lst night packed The Regent for a right old wallow in nostalgia.

The boys from Birmingham have always had an ear for a good song and there were plenty of those on offer as they performed their debut album in full then took us on a wonderful rhythm-driven journey through some of their many other career highlights.

Duncan Campbell slipped into the modern day line-up with ease which meant original singer Ali Campbell wasn’t missed at all.

The group, augmented by three guest musicians, sounded every bit as good as I remembered them in their pomp at the same venue.

The musical landscape may have changed since UB40 first gave us Food For Thought but the political landscape is eerily similar. Unemployment is rising, we’re in the early days of a Tory government and the future is uncertain.

They say what goes around comes around and the UK’s most successful reggae band suddenly feel relevant again.

UB40 have regained their edge and don’t be surprised to see them Present Arms in Ipswich again.