Live Nation and leading live music and event promoter Cuffe & Taylor announce Rag’n’Bone Man and UB40 ft. Ali Campbell are the latest acts set to headline TK Maxx presents Southampton Summer Sessions 2025,
Rag’n’Bone Man will take to the stage on Friday 13 June 2025, joined by British Americana sensation, Elles Bailey, with UB40 ft. Ali Campbell taking the stage on Sunday 15 June 2025, with special guests Bitty McLean and Pato Banton.
The festival, which returns to Guildhall Square next summer, will be continuing the success of last year’s Southampton Summer Sessions, by adding to previously announced headliners The Stranglers and Simple Minds.
Known for his soulful voice and genre-blending sound, Rag’n’Bone Man broke onto the scene in 2016 with his powerful single, Human, blending blues and hip hop with raw emotion. Known for his commanding stage presence and soulful vocals, his live performances have captivated audiences across sold-out arenas and major festivals worldwide.
His debut album, Human, went 4x platinum and earned him a BRIT Award, followed by his 2021 album, Life by Misadventure, which debuted no. 1 on the UK charts with hits like Anywhere Away From Here and All You Ever Wanted. His recently released album, What Do You Believe In?, has climbed into the top 3 of the charts, showcasing his evolving sound, and is set to be a highlight of his upcoming performance at the Southampton Summer Sessions.
Joining Rag’n’Bone Man will be award-winning British Americana and Roots artist, Elles Bailey, who recently released her 4th studio album, Beneath the Neon Glow, hitting #12 in the Official Album Charts and topping the UK Blues and Americana Charts. Bailey has performed with legends like Van Morrison and Jools Holland, played iconic slots at Glastonbury and Kew the Music, and is set to kick off a UK tour this autumn before she heads to Summer Sessions next year.
Bringing boundless reggae cheer, UB40 ft. Ali Campbell is set to deliver an unforgettable performance powered by the iconic voice that helped UB40 achieve over 70 million record sales, and more than fifty UK chart hits. Ali Campbell, a founding member of the legendary Birmingham band, remains committed to honouring UB40’s rich legacy, which began 45 years ago.
Fans can expect a lively set filled with beloved classics from the Labour of Love series, including Cherry Oh Baby, Please Don’t Make Me Cry, Kingston Town, and the timeless hit Red Red Wine. In addition to these reggae anthems, Ali will treat the audience to tracks from UB40’s newer material, such as Unprecedented, from their 2021 album of the same name.
Joining UB40 ft. Ali Campbell is the talented Bitty McLean, celebrated for his smooth vocal style and mid-’90s chart hits like It Keeps Rainin’ and Dedicated to the One I Love. Opening the day will be reggae favourite Pato Banton, known for his upbeat energy and sing-along hit Baby Come Back. Both artists will bring their unique flair to the event, setting the stage for an unforgettable day of reggae.
These shows mark the return of one the live event series following this summer’s hugely successful Summer Sessions across England and Wales, which featured world-class headliners such as Avril Lavigne, Bryan Adams, Sting, and Tom Jones across five locations in England and Wales.
Tickets will go on general sale on Friday, 01 November via smmrsessions.com and ticketmaster.co.uk. Fans can follow @smmrsessions on social media for the latest news, exciting announcements, and more incredible shows coming soon.
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