INTERNATIONAL chart-topper Billy Ocean will join the line-up as special guest at UB40’s concert at Taunton Racecourse.

UB40 -featuring original members Ali Campbell, Astro and Micky Virtue will be performing at the Racecourse on Sunday, June 11 as part of their summer Grandslam UK ttour.

They will be backed by an eight-piece reggae band - bringing their inimitable blend of reggae and pop greatest hits to the forefront of the British summer events calendar.

The band will now be joined by Billy Ocean, in addition to the previously announced guests The Original Wailers featuring Al Anderson, and introducing Raging Fyah.

Ali Campbell of UB40 said, “We are thrilled to now announce Billy Ocean as our special guest at Taunton Racecourse in June.

"The Grandslam Tour is going to be a brilliant experience for both us and the fans, and we are certain that Billy Ocean, The Original Wailers and Raging Fyah will each be widely welcomed by our fans.”

Billy Ocean has sold over 30 million records and had number one chart toppers worldwide (including the Grammy awarded Caribbean Queen, There’ll be Sad Songs and Get Outta My Dreams; Get Into My Car) and enjoys a much acclaimed career as both songwriter and performer.

Billy Ocean said: “I always like to play with UB40 and am delighted to be joining them at Taunton. I can’t wait to have a party with you all then.”

The Trinidad-born star, who moved to London’s East End at just seven, and with a keen interest in music from an early age, took inspiration from pop and soul singers such as Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, to go on to create his own inimitable style.

His 1986 tune When the Going Gets Tough (the tough get going) - the soundtrack from the Michael Douglas/Danny Devito movie Jewel in the Nile - achieved huge success.

Liz Doogan-Hobbs MBE, CEO of LHG Live, promoters for the Grandslam UB40 UK Tour said: “Grandslam is a summer event series combining stunning outdoor venues with a concert format with a real festival vibe. We are thrilled to be working with UB40 next summer.

"To now have Billy Ocean on board at Taunton is brilliant. We're looking forward to a great summer together."

n For more information and tickets visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk