Although Reggae music has it's origins in positivity and good vibes, sometimes a darker side can creep in and ruin the irie party. Case in point is the bitter, nasty division of British Reggae act, UB40. A dispute over the band's name and reputation has caused an unholy rift between two camps of late. While both sides, each consisting of founding members, continue to tour the globe under the same moniker, an understandable air of confusion has fallen over the band's worldwide fanbase and left many scratching their heads.

But there was nothing but delight and and pleasure that fell over the nearly packed house that gathered to hear UB40 on Friday night at St. Petersburg's Mahaffey Theater. With a lineup that boasts some key original members (keyboardist Mickey Virtue, singer/toaster Astro and distinctive vocalist Ali Campbell), this was as close to the real UB40 fans could hope for.

After nearly a decade of remaining dormant on US concert stages, the incarnation of UB40 that treated fans of various ages and races to a thoroughly entertaining two-hour set on Friday had something to prove. As singer Campbell told me in a recent phone interview, he'd like to undo the damage the other UB40 (which includes two of his estranged brothers) has done. And, based on the stupendous show he and his newly revamped band delivered, he's well on his way to reclaiming his name.

Fronting a 10-piece replete with full horn section, Campbell made his way onstage alongside original vocalist Astro and a newly recruited backup singer as the band was already in full groove mode. Dressed all in black, the band clicked instantly as they kicked things off with a track from Campbell's solo catalog, "Flying High." And that they were in an instant.

Dipping into their long line of hits early on, a full-bodied, booming version of 1990 smash "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)" (originally recorded by Soul legend Al Green) brought the crowd to its feet to dance and sing along. Benefited by a superb rhythm section, a crystal clear mix that showcased the horn players and Campbell's strong vocal abilities, the band sounded absolutely magnificent as they coasted playfully through a set list that equally mixed newer material with classic tunes.

As fine interpreters and re-inventors of other people's music, UB40 gladly featured plenty of material from their huge-selling Labour of Love album series in their set. Whether dedicating their rendition of Byron Lee's "Groovin'" to fans who'd traveled from Zambia or strutting through Eric Donaldson's "Cherry Oh Baby," the selections from the well-loved covers LPs received the warmest responses of the night.

Occasionally strapping on a guitar, Campbell sounded spectacular crooning for the duration of the night. His distinctive, somewhat nasal delivery sounded fresh and strong as ever. Chomping a wad of gum and sporting an ear to ear grin for the duration of the night, Ali was cool and effortless as he traded off verses with Astro and danced around the stage.

Whether digging as far back as their stupendous 1980 debut Signing Off for the classic "Food For Thought," or highlighting their newest effort Silhouette via standout cut "Cyber Bully Boys," each and every selection from the lengthy set list was met with warm, fervent applause and ovations.

The strongest reactions of the night were, of course, reserved for set closer "Can't Help Falling In Love" and the night's final number and encore conclusion, the Neil Diamond-penned classic "Red Red Wine." Both songs helped make UB40 a household name and catapulted them to super-stardom around the world. And boy did both numbers go over like gangbusters on Friday night. Spontaneous dancing and sing-alongs were prevalent throughout and one audience member was even so inspired as to make his way onstage during the dynamic encore to hop up and down and express his sincere enthusiasm … before being gently escorted off and away.

In one of the few concert experiences where college-aged fans melded with 70-somethings and reacted with equal amounts of excitement, it was nice to see and hear this renowned reggae act harness the true spirit of the genre and deliver a heartfelt, solid night of authentic sounds.

Despite the current acrimonious battle with the other band of the same name, UB40 took no potshots onstage and spoke nary a word of the situation. Instead, they delivered the message more loudly and clearly than any diatribe could hope to carry; with their fine, fine music.

Set List:
Flying High
Here I Am (Come and Take Me)
Homely Girl
Folitician
Wear You to the Ball
The Way You Do the Things You Do
Stick by Me
I'm Missing You
Groovin'
Version Girl
Cherry Oh Baby
One in Ten
Rat in Mi Kitchen
Cyber Bully Boys
Would I Lie to You?
Bring Me Your Cup
Fijian Sunset
Silhouettes
Maybe Tomorrow
Many Rivers to Cross
Can't Help Falling in Love