WILDCAT'S THOUGHTS ON:

UB40 & THE JAMS BOARD

Although I've been a UB addict for over 16 years, I have only been surfing the net for 10 months (i'm a PC thicko, and it took me 3 months to have the courage to use my modem!) First I found the Dep site (from the GITG sleeve), then linked onto the Dubmobile pages. I stared in disbelief for ages - there was another UB40 fan after all - I thought I was alone. Joris replied to my e-mail straight away. I soon was introduced to Reza and then Sistah E, and from there the family has grown and grown.I then made the connection to the Jams board - a global UB40 notice board - a chance to air views, have a laugh and generally have fun in the sun on the UB island."

BEING A UB FAN

UB40 may not be classed as hip and trendy, or the best band in the world (compared to The Beatles, REM, U2...etc) but there is just something about UB40 I can't help loving. I simply can't get enough. I do like other music and I do lead a perfectly normal life, and I function very normally! but once I hear a UB song, see them on TV, or even better, in the flesh, I go completely bananas! They have penned some wonderful songs in their career, and some truly awful ones too, but my loyalties have always been with UB40. They are not even "pin ups" (sorry chaps), it's the music, especially their live performances I love!!

MUSIC

"I love real roots reggae and reggae dub (Bob Marley, Black Uhuru, Steel Pulse, Burning Spear, Mad Professor); I also like non-reggae, The Beatles, Paul Weller, The Smiths, bits of REM, Blur...

I really detest heavy metal and C & W. Not keen on dancehall & rapping (does nowt for me, and sounds like shouting to me!!)"

TOP 3 SONGS

"Current faves are 'Food For Thought', 'Silent Witness' and 'If It Happens Again'.

THE JAMS POSSE/BBB

"Only weeks after my first e-mail from Joris I was told about the fanfest. I had no details, but I just knew Iwould be there - I just had to go. The morning of the fest I looked at the others and thought, "iIcan't believe that the Internet has brought us all together, from across the globe. Just pressing a few keys on a keyboard has resulted in us all being together."  I couldn't take it all in at first. We all had the one common interest - UB40. It was the start of what I hope will be long lasting friendships."

#UBJams CHAT

"It is our chance to meet up, same time, same place, to chat, mess around, share jokes, sometimes talk seriously - just like you would if you met in the pub on a Saturday night (chats often include booze and other less than healthy substances-I'm referring to the mexican burgers and chocolate souffles!), so yes, it can be compared with "going down the pub with your mates".

PERSONAL QUOTE from Tanya aka Wildcat

" Life is not a rehearsal, you only get one chance at it. If you want it, just go and get it." (thinking positive thoughts)

Tanya, who uses the nickname Wildcat in the weekly mIRC chat is from Somerset, England, and describes herself as a "complete UB nut case!"