Grammy nominated Reggae band UB40 sold 80 million records and ascended to fame in the United States in the 1980s. For years, the British reggae band had conquered charts worldwide with their infectious rhythms and politically poignant lyrics, yet the American audience remained largely indifferent. At home in the U.K., their albums “Labour Of Love” (1983) and “Promises of Love” in 1993 both topped the charts.
“Labour of Love” marked a turning point in their career, revitalizing their success with four hit singles, including “Red Red Wine.” Departing from their usual politically charged lyrics, the band focused on covering reggae classics to pay homage to Jamaica’s musical heritage and to explore commercial potential.
UB40’s 1983 revival of “Red Red Wine” propelled the song to new heights, but their assumption that it was a Jamaican original led to a surprising revelation: the song was penned by Neil Diamond. Originally recorded as a maudlin country ballad, Diamond’s version received minor success until a Jamaican singer, Tony Tribe, reinvented it as a reggae hit in 1969.
“It all seems a bit strange to us,” reflects lead guitarist Robin Campbell to Time Magazine in 1988. “But we can’t be choosy. Any hit record is a hit record. For us, it’s kind of a vindication.” “Red Red Wine” took five years to top the US charts after topping the UK charts upon its release.
It was when J.J. Morgan, a deejay at KKFR-FM in Phoenix, decided to give it a spin during a show in May that “Red Red Wine” became the station’s most requested song.
“Nice timing too,” remarks Campbell. While the band’s 1988 album, simply titled “UB40,” competed with “Labour of Love” in sales, it was the cover that captured the hearts of listeners, paving the way for deeper exploration into the band’s original compositions.
“Our drums and bass lines are exactly the same as those in Jamaica,” explains vocalist-trumpeter Astro. “But our melody lines are different. They’re influenced by English pop and Motown.” This fusion of influences, coupled with the band’s unwavering commitment to their roots, created a sound that resonated with audiences worldwide.
UB40’s journey to success wasn’t solely built on serendipity. Growing up in Balsall Heath, a predominantly black neighborhood in Birmingham, the band members forged a bond that transcended music. Their first album “Signing Off,” released on August 29, 1980, had a cover that fashioned the U.K’s Unemployment Benefit Form 40, the very document from which they got their name.
“Signing Off,” now certified Platinum in the U.K. for selling 300,000 units tackled themes of unemployment, racism, and social inequality, reflecting the harsh realities faced by many during the British austerity era. Tracks like “Tyler” and “Madam Medusa” addressed racial injustice and political discontent, while “Food For Thought” highlighted issues of poverty and starvation.
“We’ve known each other since childhood,” recalls saxophonist Brian Travers in 1988. “We didn’t grow up poor, but we had a shared dream of making it big.”
With more 5 million certified units in albums and single sales in the US up to 1993, their chart-topping singles, include “Red Red Wine(Gold),” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love(Platinum),” have captivated audiences in the US.
“Labour of Love” and “Promises and Lies” are both certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association Of America for selling 1 million each.
Despite lineup changes over the years, the band’s stability endured for nearly 29 years until frontman Ali Campbell’s departure in 2008, followed by keyboardist Mickey Virtue. Astro, another founding member, left in 2013 but later reunited with Campbell and Virtue in a new iteration of UB40.
By 2014, a legal disputes over the band name ensued, leading to a split between the original members and Campbell, Virtue, and Astro.
Brian Travers, Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer, Norman Hassan and Ali’s brother Robin Campbell who are founding members released a statement at the time saying,
“We are outraged at this latest desperate attempt by our former band mates to hijack UB40’s brand name, business and legacy. As UB40 we have worked continuously for the last 35 years touring the world with our live show and promoting our recorded albums…As our fans know, Ali Campbell left UB40 six years ago citing issues with the band’s management, and has since pursued a solo career.”
In 2021, Matt Doyle joined UB40 as the new vocalist, succeeding Duncan Campbell, who retired due to ill health.
A far way from the ambitious youths in 1978 who had a relentless dedication to their craft, coupled with a “master plan to conquer the world,” laid the groundwork for their eventual triumph even has the band changes members.
In November 2021, founding member, Terrence Wilson aka Astro passed away at age 64. He was the second member to die that year, following he death of Travers on August 23 at age 61.
UB40’s Greatest Hits is a weekly staple on the Billboard Reggae Albums chart and the band has surpassed 2 billion streams on Spotify across there catalog.
In an industry often characterized by ego and extravagance, UB40’s humility wasa refreshing reminder of the enduring power of authentic expression through reggae music. Even as they basked in the glow of their newfound success in the US, they remain grounded in their roots, both musically and personally. “We give ourselves away as being very plain,” remarks Travers in 1988. “Like Bulgarian acrobats.”
From humble beginnings in Birmingham to topping charts on both sides of the Atlantic, their journey is a testament to the transformative power of music and the unwavering spirit of perseverance.
To date the band has released 20 official albums.
