The Night UB40 Played the Hare & Hounds — and Changed Music History
Kings Heathen Editorial
Shared with Kings Heathen
On the evening of 9 February 1979, eight young men from Birmingham took to a small stage at the Hare & Hounds pub on Kings Heath High Street. They had never performed live before. The audience was small. None of them had any idea what was about to happen to their lives. That band was UB40, and it was the beginning of one of the most successful careers in the history of British music.
UB40 went on to sell over 70 million records worldwide, with hits including Food for Thought, Red Red Wine, Kingston Town and Can't Help Falling In Love. They became the most internationally successful reggae band Britain ever produced. And it all started on Kings Heath High Street.
The Hare & Hounds itself is a remarkable building with a history stretching back to 1820. Rebuilt in 1907 in its current form, it retains beautiful Art Nouveau tiles that line the entry hall and staircase — which is why it holds Grade II listed status today. For much of the 20th century it was a traditional local pub, but its musical heritage runs far deeper than most people realise. Frank Skinner, one of Britain's best-loved comedians, began his stand-up career here in the 1980s. The Ritz Ballroom, visible in old photographs standing next door on the High Street, was a popular 1960s club that hosted many famous acts before its closure.
In 2011, a PRS for Music Heritage Award plaque was unveiled at the venue to mark UB40's first performance, with original band members Robin Campbell, Brian Travers, James Brown, Earl Falconer, Norman Hassan, Ali Campbell, Michael Virtue and Astro all present for the ceremony.
Since then the venue has gone on to host Ed Sheeran, Ellie Goulding, Lizzo, Chrissie Hynde, Basement Jaxx, Norman Jay MBE, and hundreds of other artists across its two live music rooms. In 2016 it won the Best Live Entertainment award at the Great British Pub Awards. It is now regarded as one of the most important grassroots music venues in the United Kingdom.
For Kings Heath, the Hare & Hounds is not just a pub. It is a piece of living music history.
Sources: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA), PRS for Music Heritage Awards (public information), Birmingham City Council (public information)