Jimmy Brown, UB40: "We have never tried to follow trends"

Event spoke to Jimmy Brown, founding member and drummer of UB40, about 47 years of reggae, the beauty of Switzerland and the secret of a long career as a band. The legendary band will be playing in Zurich on March 18, 2026 and then in Adelboden on March 20.

Jimmy, UB40 have been making music for 47 years. Has much actually changed in that time?

Jimmy Brown: We still play reggae, it's still our thing. But technology has revolutionized everything. You used to cut tapes with razor blades; now the computer does it in seconds. It has become much easier to record a song. But at the core, we're still the same after 47 years.

After such a long time, doesn't making music get boring at some point?

No, not at all. We get paid to do what we love to do. For many people, that's a dream. Music is a vocation for us. We've spent our whole lives being creative, raising families, building houses and making a good living - all because we're doing something we love.

What about creativity? Does it diminish over the years or does it even get stronger?

We get better and better at live performances. The band is getting tighter, more precise, which is great fun. There are now eleven of us on stage, a really big band, and the feeling of being part of this ensemble is great. When it comes to songwriting, it's sometimes more difficult. We mainly write political lyrics, mostly about class struggle. But yes! The live shows are getting stronger every year.

Do you believe that music can change the world, also politically?

It can spread messages, definitely. Think of the anti-apartheid era: artists were banned because the regime saw them as dangerous. So yes, it can make a difference. But fundamentally change the world? Rarely. In the end, it's usually not enough.

How do you see the current world situation? Is everything getting better or worse?

I think it will get worse before it gets better. It's darkest before the dawn. We are experiencing the end of an era - late stage capitalism, massive corruption at the top, lies, crime. People now see more clearly how corrupt the system is. Perhaps this realization will lead to change at some point.

People can already pre-order the new album on your website. How far along are you?

We are proud of it. It feels fresh and vibrant. I think it might be our best album yet. Even though I say that to everyone (laughs). It's 75% finished, the exact release date is not set yet.

You once said that Switzerland is one of your favorite places to play. Why is that?

There are several reasons! Firstly, Switzerland is simply one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. This mountain landscape - it's breathtaking. There aren't many countries with this kind of nature. I love it. The people are incredibly warm-hearted. And I think a Swiss audience really appreciates what we do.

You are no longer the youngest. How do you keep physically fit for these long tours? Other people retire at your age.

You learn to play more efficiently over time. I play drums better today than I did when I was 20 because I've developed techniques that require less effort. In addition, my family - I have three grandchildren - gives me the stability I need. The little ones think it's pretty cool that grandpa is on stage.

What is the secret of UB40's extraordinary longevity?

That we have always remained true to ourselves. We've never tried to follow trends or be fashionable, we've just always played reggae. We worked hard, never stopped and toured constantly.

Finally, is there a special Swiss experience that you remember?

The car train ride through the mountain was magical. You stand still and suddenly everything outside is white. There's nothing like that in England. You simply feel closer to nature.