UB40: The iconic reggae band through the years
From 1979 to present day, here are some of their biggest moments
Since forming in the late 70s, UB40 has become a world-wide sensation and are still one of the most successful reggae bands in the world, even getting a stone on the Music Walk of Fame in London.
When they first started, the music they were making had a different sound to what was already out there and it resonated with a lot of young people at the time, helping them to gain popularity.
The band formed in Birmingham, and their name was inspired by an unemployment benefits form, due to many of the band members being unemployed at the time. This theme came up again when an unemployment benefits card appeared on the cover of their debut album 'Signing Off'.
Although the band's line-up has changed since UB40 first formed, the original line-up played together for 30 years and sold over 70 million records worldwide. To celebrate the incredible band that is UB40, here are some of their most memorable moments...
Who is in UB40?
The members of UB40 have changed several times over the years, but the current line-up for UB40 is made up of Robin Campbell, Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer, Norman Lamont Hassan, Matt Doyle, Martin Meredith, Laurence Parry, Ian Thompson, Jahred Gordon, Gilly G and Matt Campbell.
Some of the original members also branched out to create the group UB40 featuring Ali Campbell.
Where is Ali Campbell now?
Ali Campbell left UB40 in 2008 to pursue a solo career and was replaced by his brother Duncan Campbell, who later retired due to ill health.
In 2014, he reunited with a couple of his former bandmates to form UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Micky Virtue, following their departure from the original band.
While Astro sadly passed away in 2021, Micky Virtue left the band in 2018. Ali continues to tour and brings out new music under the name UB40 featuring Ali Campbell.
Are UB40 on tour?
UB40 have announced they will be going on tour in the Summer of 2026. The band will start in Brighton, ending in Birmingham and will be supported by Maxi Priest and Aswad in June 2026.
Is UB40 featuring Ali Campbell on tour?
Several dates for 2026 have already been announced for UB40 featuring Ali Campbell in outdoor venues including Delamere Forest, Thetford Forest and Bedford Summers Sessions.
Is UB40 bringing out new music?
UB40 celebrated their 45th anniversary with a greatest hits album called 'UB45' in 2024, this the band's most recent album, however they have hinted at a new album due for release in the Spring of 2026.
Is UB40 featuring Ali Campbell bringing out new music?
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro released their album 'Unprecedented' on 17th June 2022. The album included covers of reggae classics as well as new songs, and the group released the song 'We'll Never Find Another Love' on 3rd May ahead of the full album.
Ali Campbell spoke about how the album was a tribute to Astro, who worked on the album before he sadly passed away at the end of 2021. Ali said: "Astro's death came as such a shock, and I'm still reeling from it.
"This album is now more poignant and special than either of us could have imagined when we were recording it. Astro heartbreakingly passed just two weeks after we'd finished the final mixes, so this is a way of keeping his memory alive."
UB40 featuring Ali Campbell has not released any new music since then.
You can hear songs by UB40 on Greatest Hits Radio.
UB40 through the years:
1978 - UB40 formed
UB40 formed in 1978 in Birmingham, made up of friends Ali Campbell, Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer, Yomi Babayemi, Norman Hassan, Brain Travers, Jimmy Lynn and Robin Campbell.
The line-up changed in 1979 with Yomi Babayemi and Jimmy Lynn leaving and Mickey Virtue and Astro joining the band.
1980 - UB40 released their debut single and album
The band released their debut single 'King b/w Food For Thought' which made it to Number 5 in the UK Charts. They were also invited to tour with The Pretenders when Chrissie Hynde saw them performing at a pub in the spring of 1980.
UB40 also released their first album 'Signing Off' in 1980. It went to Number 2 in the UK Charts, and stayed in the Charts for 71 weeks. At the time of recording, the band couldn't afford a studio so the album was recorded in a bedsit with some of the band playing in the kitchen and others in the back garden.
1980 - UB40 formed their own record company
1980 also saw UB40 end their previous recording contract and form their own record company, with the shares split equally between all eight band members. The record company was called DEP International. In 1981, the label released 'Present Arms in Dub', a remix album by UB40. The label sadly went into administration in October 2006.
1983 - UB40 release 'Labour of Love'
In 1983, UB40 released their fourth album 'Labour of Love', it was a covers project and included their reggae version of 'Red Red Wine' which was originally sang by Neil Diamond. The song went to Number 1 in the UK Singles Chart and Neil Diamond says he's a fan of their version.
1988 - UB40 go on world tours
Following several successful album releases and international recognition, UB40 were consistently touring across the world in the late 80s. After they finished touring, the band took a break, and during this time several band members worked on solo projects.
1988 - UB40 perform at Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert
UB40 performed with The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert held at Wembley Stadium in 1988. Other performers at the concert included Whitney Houston, Phil Collins, Dire Straits, Stevie Wonder, Tracy Chapman, George Michael, and Eric Clapton.
2008 - Ali Campbell leaves UB40
Ali Campbell chose to leave UB40 in 2008 and started his solo career. He had already released his debut solo album 'Big Love' during the band's hiatus, and his brother Duncan replaced him in the band.
Keyboardist Micky Virtue also left the group shortly after.
2011 - UB40 were honoured with PRS for Music Heritage Award
In 2011, UB40 were honoured with a PRS for Music Heritage Award for their contribution to music. A plaque commemorating the award was added at the Hare & Hounds pub in Birmingham, the site of UB40's first gig on 9th February 1979.
2014 - UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue form
In 2013, Astro left the band as he had concerns over the direction the band was heading in. He joined up with former UB40 members Micky Virtue and Ali Campbell to create UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue.
Both bands continued making music and performing under their respective names.
2021 - Founding member Brian Travers dies
Saxophonist and founding member of UB40 Brain Travers sadly passed away on 22nd August 2021 following a three-year battle with cancer.
2021 - Longterm member Astro dies
Terence Wilson, better known as Astro, sadly passed away on 6th November 2021 at the age of 64 after a short illness.
2022 - Ali Campbell goes on tour
Ali Campbell and Astro were due to perform across in the UK in 2021, but the shows were postponed due to Covid-19. Following Astro's death, fans were uncertain whether the rescheduled shows would go ahead. Ali confirmed that he would go ahead with the shows in honour of his bandmate.
2022 - UB40 perform at the Commonwealth Games
To celebrate their 45th anniversary, UB40 announced their new album 'UB45' which was released in early 2023 as well as a tour across the UK and Ireland.
As well as creating the official anthem of the Commonwealth Games 'Champion', UB40 also performed at the Closing Ceremony on 8th August. Appearing at Alexander Stadium in their hometown, the group played their hit song 'Red Red Wine'.
2023 - UB40 honoured on the Music Walk of Fame
UB40 were honoured on the Music Walk of Fame in 2023. They received a stone to mark the occasion in Camden, London. Along with UB40, 'A Night To Remember' band Shalamar, 'Electric Avenue' singer Eddy Grant and 'Piece of My Heart' singer Janis Joplin were also awarded with a stone on the Music Walk of Fame.
2025 - UB40 announce huge tour for 2026
In November 2025, UB40 announced they would be going on tour in June 2026. They will start their tour in Brighton on Monday 1st and end in Birmingham on Saturday 20th June 2026. They will be supported by Maxi Priest and Aswad.
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