UB40's 'Champion' is the official anthem of the Commonwealth Games 2022

Virgin Radio

15 Jul 2022, 13:06

UB40's song 'Champion' will soundtrack the Commonwealth Games 2022.

The band are also commemorating 45 years of their career.

A new album is coming, called ‘UB45’, as well as a UK and Ireland tour.

The debut single will be released on 15th July 2022, and the tour is on sale from today

'Champion' was written by UB40 for the new multi-artist album “On Record” as part of the Birmingham 2022 Festival.

The tune celebrates the games coming to England for the first time in 20 years and is also a celebration of Birmingham. 

The new album will be a mixture of new original material and feature reworks of some of the band's classics and greatest hits.

The band are joined by their new frontman Matt Doyle.

Robin Cambell said. “We are proud to be representing the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games with the official anthem ‘Champion’. Birmingham represents the best of global Britain and it is our job to showcase this to the world. The song is about celebrating the cultural diversity of Birmingham. Birmingham is a city of champions!”

Matt Doyle added, "Champion is all about positivity. It's about being uplifted and putting that energy into whatever gets you up in the morning- whether it be music, art or sport or whatever it is. It’s about doing what you do best and excelling at that, celebrating being a champion. "

Doyle joined the band in 2021 following Duncan Campbell’s retirement.

The band are hitting the road for a 45th Anniversary arena tour in the UK and Ireland this December playing Dublin, Belfast, Leeds, London’s iconic Wembley Arena and a special hometown performance at Birmingham’s Utilita Arena.

Robin says: “Our 45th anniversary doesn’t bear thinking about, but the celebrations will be great fun starting in the UK arenas in December. These shows and the new album represent our brotherhood and celebrating our history but also taking our next step together as a band.

"We are pushing new boundaries and looking to the future with our frontman Matt Doyle,  and we can’t wait to show the world how good he is with us and how much he’s come on in the last year.

"Come and join us to celebrate 45 years of UB40 and what is going to be one massive party!”