Johnny2Bad - the UB40 Experience

Johnny 2 Bad formed just over 2 years ago (2005) have rapidly established itself as not only the number one live Tribute show to global superstars UB40 but also as one of the premier and most exciting new reggae bands in Europe Today.

Johnny 2 Bad boast a line up that wouldn’t be out of place on any stage in the World as Its core musicians of Mikey { Keys } , James { sax } , Skins { drums } and Boot { bass } have well over 25 years of recording and touring at the very highest level with major recording artist such Apache Indian, Musical Youth, Sting, Beres Hammond, Edwin Starr, Alexander O’Neale and for most of that period as part of the exciting Reggae Revolution backing band behind PATO BANTON that resulted in a GRAMMY nomination for best Live reggae Band in 2001

Many appearances on TV & Video WORLDWIDE on such shows as TOP OF THE POPS, MTV, CDUK with the number 1 hit BABY COME BACK, as well as on stage performing hits such as PASS THE DEUTCHIE, BOOMSHAKALAK, GROOVING, BUBBLING HOT as well as being whisked by private jet for a one off show In Remo on the track THIS COWBOY SONG with STING that also resulted in another collaboration with Sting on SPIRITS IN THE MATERIAL WORLD for the Jim Carey Movie ACE VENTURA PET DETECTIVE.

Private shows for Peter Gabriel and Womad as well as being the first ever Reggae band not only to perform at the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE but also the first band to get the crowd up dancing ever as it had a strict no standing standing up policy until that night !!.

The back bone is further strengthened by the deft guitar playing and artistic direction of Paul Showtime Shotan whose credits on Keys, guitar and production include blues legend Paul Jones, Gordon Gilltrap and even work with the legendary Platters

The glamour side of the band is fronted by the widely acclaimed brass section who in addition to James extensive credits include Andy and Stuart on Trombone and Trumpet who came fresh in to the band from the English Philharmonic Orchestras and even a Bombay Brass band.

The Brass part of the show has been widely accepted as probably the best Brass live section in the country today for not only their playing abilities but also for their non stop dancing and journeys into the audiences on a nightly basis .

And finally on lead vocals and lead guitar, Johnny 2 Bad have the emerging raw talent of Wayne Lawrence who has gained a reputation as one of the best vocalists in the country today, his credits include song writing with the legendary NICKY CHINN of CHINN CHAPMAN fame ( biggest UK selling songwriters after Lennon / McCartney writing hits for Sweet, Mud, Suzi quarto, Go West and hundred more ) and being the first reserve for the BBC series s FAME ACADEMY ( Lemar )

After fronting the Birmingham Band FARSIDE ( Best Unsigned Band in UK 2005) he was head hunted to join Johnny 2 Bad to enhance the reputation from not only Best Live band we have ever seen ( The Stage Review 2007 ) but also to having the best vocalist.

But this is not about just one person, JOHNNY 2 BAD is about a great band, a great show offering a live experience of REGGAE music that is second to none that crosses over all barriers.

We often get people come to us and say that reggae wasn’t their cup of tea but that night they had enjoyed it so much they would be back, and they do come back as all the shows up and down the country are selling out as the Street Team and website kick in to support the band.

The success of the band as opposed to being just a tribute band has been further supported by the call from fans to record our own album which we have just released call UNCOVERED ( Pinnicalel distribution ) and is being very well received with radio airplay already

The Club shows have led to shows abroad including tours of amercia and Festivals in Holland with more to come in 2008 as Johnny 2 Bad embark on their first UK Theatre tour