Bob Hill, a former Great Barr resident, has embraced life in Benidorm over the past decade, picking up a little Spanish along the way but primarily communicating in English with locals. The 61-year-old is no stranger to the Spanish city, having visited it approximately 82 times for work and holidays with his wife before making the move permanent in 2016.
Having spent many years as a DJ, Hill has shifted gears to become the frontman of UB42TONE, a five-piece ska band based in Benidorm that pays tribute to the famous Birmingham band UB40. Reflecting on his musical journey, Hill revealed he was the singer of a local Great Barr band at the age of eleven, albeit for a brief period. He credits UB40 as a major influence on his singing style, noting his voice developed similarities to Ali Campbell’s. Hill’s admiration for the band saw him travel from Goa to Mumbai just to see Ali perform live.
Since settling in Spain, Hill and his family have made the most of their new surroundings, expressing no regrets about the move. While he fondly misses supporting his beloved Aston Villa and some of Birmingham’s ice rinks, he observes that the city has changed significantly. Despite these changes, he maintains a strong affection for Birmingham but feels a contentedness with life in Benidorm.
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Hill also addressed common misconceptions about the city, stating that negative stories are often exaggerated on social media. He emphasised that the majority of troublemakers are visitors who come to indulge in excessive drinking, not the local residents. Life in Benidorm, according to Hill, is generally more relaxed and laid-back compared to back home.
UB42TONE is set to showcase their first night of original music at The White Horse in Benidorm on Tuesday, 15 September, promising an exciting new chapter for the band and their fans.