View source for UB40

{{short description|English reggae/pop band}}
{{For|the World War I German submarine|SM UB-40}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2025}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = UB40
| image             = UB40in2010.jpg
| landscape         = yes
| caption           = UB40 on stage in their home city of [[Birmingham]], England, in 2010
| background        = group_or_band
| origin            = [[Birmingham]], England
| genre             = {{hlist|[[Reggae]]|[[Dub music|dub]]}}
| years_active      = 1978–present
| spinoffs          = UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell
| label             = {{hlist|Graduate|[[DEP International|DEP]]|[[EMI]]|[[A&M Records|A&M]]|[[Virgin Records]]}}
| website           = {{URL|https://ub40.global}}
| current_members   = * Jimmy Brown
* Robin Campbell
* Earl Falconer
* Norman Hassan
* Matt Doyle
* Jahred Gordon
* Gilly G
* Matt Campbell
* Martin Meredith
* Ian Thompson
* Laurence Parry
| past_members      = * [[Ali Campbell]]
* Yomi Babayemi
* Jimmy Lynn
* Brian Travers
* Mickey Virtue
* Astro
* Duncan Campbell
}}

'''UB40''' are an English [[reggae]] band, formed in December 1978 in [[Birmingham]], England. The band has had more than 50 singles in the [[UK Singles Chart]] and has also achieved considerable international success. They have been nominated for the [[Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album]] four times and were nominated for the [[Brit Award]] for Best British Group in 1984.<ref name="Brits">{{Cite web|url=http://www.brits.co.uk/artist/ub40|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120814155552/http://www.brits.co.uk/artist/ub40|url-status=dead|archive-date=14 August 2012|title=UB40 &#124; The BRIT Awards 2012|date=14 August 2012}}</ref> UB40 have sold more than 100 million records worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Redley |first=Simon |date=2020-06-27 |title=Track Record: UB40's Robin Campbell... |url=https://musicrepublicmagazine.com/2020/06/track-record-ub40s-robin-campbell/ |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=Music Republic Magazine |language=en-US}}</ref> The ethnic make-up of the band's original line-up was diverse, with musicians of [[English people|English]], [[Welsh people|Welsh]], [[Irish people|Irish]], [[Jamaican people|Jamaican]], [[Scottish people|Scottish]] and [[Yemeni people|Yemeni]] parentage.<ref name="Telegraph">{{cite news|title=UB40's Signing On 30th anniversary: a brave face on hard times|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/8080488/UB40s-Signing-On-30th-anniversary-a-brave-face-on-hard-times.html|last=Chaytor|first=Rod|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/rockandpopfeatures/8080488/UB40s-Signing-On-30th-anniversary-a-brave-face-on-hard-times.html |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|date=25 October 2010|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=23 May 2018}}{{cbignore}}</ref> 

Their [[hit single]]s include their debut track "[[Food for Thought (song)|Food for Thought]]" and two [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]] number-one hits, "[[Red Red Wine#UB40 version|Red Red Wine]]" and "[[Can't Help Falling in Love#UB40 version|Can't Help Falling in Love]]". Both songs also topped the [[UK Singles Chart]], as did the band's version of "[[I Got You Babe#UB40 and Chrissie Hynde version|I Got You Babe]]", recorded with [[Chrissie Hynde]]. The band's two most successful albums, ''[[Labour of Love]]'' (1983) and ''[[Promises and Lies]]'' (1993), both reached number one on the [[UK Albums Chart]]. UB40 and the English [[ska]] band [[Madness (band)|Madness]] share the record for the most weeks spent by a group in the UK singles chart during the 1980s, with 214 weeks each.<ref name="The News">{{cite news|title=Five things you might not know about Madness|url=https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/five-things-you-might-not-know-about-madness-1-7738967|work=[[The News (Portsmouth)|The News]]|date=23 May 2018|access-date=23 May 2018|archive-date=24 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524081150/https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/five-things-you-might-not-know-about-madness-1-7738967|url-status=live}}</ref>

The band's line-up remained stable for nearly 29 years, from March 1979 until January 2008, when frontman [[Ali Campbell]] left the band, followed shortly thereafter by keyboardist Mickey Virtue. Another member, Astro, continued with the band until November 2013, when he departed to team up with Campbell and Virtue to form their own band, called "UB40 featuring Ali Campbell". In 2014, legal advice was sought by the original band (now consisting of the remaining co-founding members drummer Jimmy Brown, guitarist Robin Campbell, bassist Earl Falconer, percussionist Norman Hassan, and saxophonist Brian Travers, along with their new vocalist Duncan Campbell), who took action against the group formed by Campbell, Virtue, and Astro over their potentially confusing use of the band name.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/legal-advice-sought-in-ub40-dispute-29944563.html |title=Legal advice sought in UB40 dispute |work=Belfast Telegraph |date=23 January 2014 |access-date=18 December 2014 |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402174741/http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/legal-advice-sought-in-ub40-dispute-29944563.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On 5 July 2021, it was announced that Matt Doyle, formerly of the reggae band Kioko, would become the band's new vocalist following Duncan Campbell's retirement due to ill health.

==History==

===1978–1983: Formation and rise to stardom===
{{quote box|quote= I lived in [[Balsall Heath]] in South Birmingham, which was a predominantly immigrant area. The first generation of [[British African-Caribbean people#The "Windrush generation"|Windrush kids]] were all my friends, and I grew up with Indian and Jamaican friends. So the music of the streets was Indian music, which I love—Mohammad Rafi and Asha Bhosle and all that—and reggae.|source=—UB40 vocalist [[Ali Campbell]] in an interview with the [[BBC]] in 2018.<ref>{{cite news|title=UB40's Ali Campbell: 'We're still cool'|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-44212628|publisher=[[BBC News]]|date=23 May 2018|access-date=21 June 2018|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527030207/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-44212628|url-status=live}}</ref>|width=30%|align=right|style=padding:8px;}}

The band members initially formed friendships while attending various schools across [[Birmingham]], England.<ref name="Telegraph"/> The name "UB40" was chosen in reference to an attendance card issued to individuals claiming [[unemployment benefits]] from the UK government's [[Department of Employment]]. The designation UB40 stood for '''U'''nemployment '''B'''enefit, Form '''40'''.<ref name="Telegraph"/>

The origins of what would become UB40 can be traced back to mid-1978, when guitarist Ali Campbell, along with drummer Jimmy Brown and bassist Earl Falconer, began rehearsing a mix of popular reggae covers and their own original compositions. They were soon joined by several friends, first percussionists Yomi Babayemi and Norman Hassan, followed by saxophonist Brian Travers and keyboardist Jimmy Lynn. Although Robin Campbell was initially hesitant to commit to forming a band, he eventually joined after being persuaded by his brother Ali. He bought a guitar in December of that year to participate in their jam sessions.

With Robin's inclusion, the eight musicians officially formed a band, choosing the name "UB40" after a friend suggested it as a fitting reference to their shared unemployed status at the time. Before fully committing to the band, Travers had been working as an electrical apprentice for NG Bailey, while Robin Campbell had been an apprentice toolmaker.<ref name="LLC1985">{{cite book  |title=SPIN |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=16jp_aFRHdgC&pg=PA60 |date=June 1985   |pages=60–61 |issn=0886-3032 |access-date=9 October 2016 |archive-date=9 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170809044414/https://books.google.com/books?id=16jp_aFRHdgC&pg=PA60 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="CampbellCampbell200660">{{cite book |author1=Ali Campbell |author2=Robin Campbell |title=Blood and Fire: The Autobiography of the UB40 Brothers |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wwQP5JmiYEQC&pg=PA60 |date=1 June 2006 |publisher=Random House |isbn=978-0-09-947654-2 |pages=60– |access-date=9 October 2016 |archive-date=2 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502053346/https://books.google.com/books?id=wwQP5JmiYEQC&pg=PA60 |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[File:UB40 first gig.jpg|thumb|left|A plaque commemorating UB40's first concert at the Hare & Hounds in [[Kings Heath]], Birmingham]]

This line-up of the band lasted long enough to perform their first show at the [[Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath|Hare & Hounds]] pub in Kings Heath in February 1979 and one more gig before undergoing their first line-up change. Babayemi and Lynn left the group, with Mickey Virtue joining as keyboardist in place of Lynn. The classic UB40 line-up was completed a month later with the addition of percussionist and vocalist Astro, who had previously worked with Duke Alloy's [[Sound system (Jamaican)|sound system]] and attended reggae dances across Birmingham.<ref name="LLC1985"/><ref name="CampbellCampbell200660"/>

Before some of the members had learned to play their [[Musical instrument|instruments]] properly, Ali Campbell and Brian Travers travelled around Birmingham promoting the band by putting up UB40 [[poster]]s. The band's distinctive sound was developed and refined through numerous lengthy jam sessions held at various locations around the city.<ref name="Telegraph"/>

[[File:Ali Campbell at Raggamuffin 2009 cropped.jpg|thumb|right|upright|Vocalist Ali Campbell]]
Their first gig took place on 9 February 1979 at The Hare & Hounds Pub in [[Kings Heath]], Birmingham, for a friend's birthday party. This was commemorated in October 2011 by the unveiling of a plaque at the venue, recognising the band receiving the [[Performing Rights Society]]'s Music Heritage Award.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-15156316|title=UB40 given Music Heritage Award|date=4 October 2011|website=BBC|access-date=29 September 2019|archive-date=12 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212045032/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-15156316|url-status=live}}</ref> UB40 had their first significant opportunity when [[Chrissie Hynde]] saw them perform at a pub and invited them to support her band, [[The Pretenders]]. The band's debut single, "[[King (UB40 song)|King]]"/"[[Food for Thought (song)|Food for Thought]]", was released on Graduate Records, a local independent label run by David Virr. It reached No. 4 on the [[UK Singles Chart]].

The title of their first album, ''[[Signing Off]]'', signifies that the band was signing off from, or ending, their claim for unemployment benefits. It was recorded in a [[bedsit]] in Birmingham and produced by Bob Lamb. Norman Hassan remarked of the recording: "If you stripped my track down, you could hear the birds in the background." This is because his tracks were recorded outside in the garden. ''Signing Off'' was released on 29 August 1980. It entered the [[UK Albums Chart]] on 2 October 1980 and spent a total of 71 weeks on the chart. ''Signing Off'' is now a [[Platinum album]]. As UB40 gained in popularity, they encouraged and supported local musicians and bands from Birmingham, such as [[Beshara (band)|Beshara]], often bringing them on tour.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.ub40.co.uk/forum/ub40-discussion/590079-bt-question-about-beshara.html |title = UB40 & Beshara&nbsp;– Brian Travers on Beshara |author = Brian Travers |work = ub40.co.uk |access-date = 15 May 2012 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120305063735/http://www.ub40.co.uk/forum/ub40-discussion/590079-bt-question-about-beshara.html |archive-date = 5 March 2012 |df = dmy-all }}</ref>
[[File:UB40 Rock am Ring 1987.jpg|thumb|left|UB40 at the [[Rock am Ring and Rock im Park|Rock am Ring]], Nürburgring, Germany in 1987]]
Following great success in the UK, UB40's popularity in the US was solidified with the release of ''[[Labour of Love]]'', an album of [[cover song]]s, in 1983. The album reached number one on the [[UK Albums Chart]] and number 14 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] in the US five years later. The album featured the song "[[Red Red Wine#UB40 version|Red Red Wine]]", a [[cover version]] of a [[Neil Diamond]] song (arranged similarly to Tony Tribe's version); it reached number one in the UK in 1983 and number one in the US in 1988. Three years later, UB40 performed at the [[Birmingham Heart Beat Charity Concert 1986]]. In 1987, Ray "Pablo" Falconer, the producer of UB40's music, died in a car crash. His brother, Earl Falconer, the band's bassist, was driving with nearly twice the legal limit of alcohol in his blood. Earl was sentenced to six months' imprisonment in June 1988 and banned from driving for three years.<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-06-27-ca-3688-story.html |title = MORNING REPORT: Pop/rock |date = 27 June 1988 |first1 = John |last1 = Voland |first2 = Steve |last2 = Weinstein |access-date = 16 December 2014 |archive-date = 19 December 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141219215829/http://articles.latimes.com/1988-06-27/entertainment/ca-3688_1_earl-falconer |url-status = live }}</ref>

===1988–2008: Continued success===
On 11 June 1988, UB40 performed at the [[Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute]] concert at [[Wembley Stadium (1923)|Wembley Stadium]] in London, alongside [[Dire Straits]], [[George Michael]], [[Whitney Houston]], the [[Bee Gees]], and other artists.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pingitore |first=Silvia |date=2020-04-14 |title=From 'Kingston Town' to the Nelson Mandela Tribute in 1988: interview with UB40 |url=https://the-shortlisted.co.uk/interview-with-ub40-robin-campbell/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210727084304/https://the-shortlisted.co.uk/interview-with-ub40-robin-campbell/ |archive-date=27 July 2021 |access-date=2021-07-25 |website=the-shortlisted.co.uk |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Their most successful worldwide single release is their reggae/pop version of "[[Can't Help Falling in Love#UB40 version|(I Can't Help) Falling in Love With You]]," which was the main title for the 1993 [[Sharon Stone]] movie ''[[Sliver (film)|Sliver]]''; it was a number one hit across Europe and in the US. In 1995, they covered the [[Stevie Wonder]] song "[[Superstition (song)|Superstition]]" for the [[Eddie Murphy]] movie ''[[Vampire in Brooklyn]]'', and it appears on their album ''The Best of UB40 – Volume Two,'' released that year. The group also made a guest appearance in the 1997 feature film ''[[Speed 2: Cruise Control]]''.<ref name="Inc.1997">{{cite book |author =  |title = Billboard |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=qA4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA65 |date = 19 July 1997 |publisher =  |pages = 65– |issn = 0006-2510 |access-date = 9 October 2016 |archive-date = 2 May 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190502163843/https://books.google.com/books?id=qA4EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA65 |url-status = live }}</ref> UB40 also featured in the 1988 film ''[[The Yob]]''. In July 2007, UB40 toured South Africa and headlined the [[Live Earth concert, Johannesburg|Live Earth]] concert at the [[Cradle of Humankind]], near [[Johannesburg]].

In 2003, UB40 and the United Colours of Sound recorded "[[Swing Low, Sweet Chariot#England's participation at the Rugby World Cup|Swing Low, Sweet Chariot]]" as the official anthem for the [[England national rugby union team]]. Following England's victory in the [[2003 Rugby Union World Cup]], it reached number 15 on the UK Singles Chart.<ref name="ub40charts">{{cite web | url=http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/ub40/ | title=UK Charts—UB40 | website=Officialcharts.com | access-date=2013-06-14 | archive-date=15 July 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130715034005/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/ub40 | url-status=live }}</ref>

===2008–present: Line-up changes and the current era===
[[File:UB40WellingtonNZ.JPG|thumb|UB40 live in [[Wellington]], New Zealand, in 2004]]
On 24 January 2008, it was announced that Ali Campbell would be leaving the group after 30 years. Initially, it was stated that Campbell was departing to focus on solo projects, but Campbell later revealed that he was leaving "due to management and business disputes."<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/558/ali_campbell_i_be_3ree/|title=Ali Campbell: I Be 3ree|website=Bluesandsoul.com|access-date=23 January 2025|archive-date=27 July 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100727140259/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/558/ali_campbell_i_be_3ree/|url-status=dead}}</ref> The remaining seven members issued a statement, saying: "Ali made a very simple decision; he chose to pursue and prioritise his solo career over continuing to work with UB40 after February 2008. It's as simple as that".<ref>{{cite news |url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/west_midlands/7209015.stm |title = UB40 singer Campbell quits group |publisher = BBC News |date = 25 January 2008 |access-date = 23 September 2010 |archive-date = 14 February 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090214123813/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/west_midlands/7209015.stm |url-status = live }}</ref> Mickey Virtue departed shortly thereafter, citing the same issues as Campbell had as the reasons for his departure.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.birminghampost.co.uk/whats-on/music/now-virtue-follows-campbell-out-3962817/ |title = What's On: Music, Film, & Things To Do in Birmingham |work = Birmingham Post |access-date = 24 April 2014 }}{{Dead link|date=August 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

[[File:UB40.jpg|thumb|left|UB40 performing in Toronto in 2006]]
It was reported by some Birmingham newspapers on 13 March 2008 that [[Maxi Priest]] would be the new lead singer of UB40 and had recorded a cover of [[Bob Marley]]'s "[[I Shot the Sheriff]]" with the band, based on information from an unnamed "source close to the band." Priest had joined UB40 on their arena tour in 2007, culminating in sell-out shows at the [[NEC Birmingham]] in December.<ref>{{cite news |url = http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birminghampost/sport-news/tm_headline%3Dmaxi-priest-is-new-singer-with-ub40%26method%3Dfull%26objectid%3D20619788%26siteid%3D65233-name_page.html |title = Maxi Priest is new singer with UB40 |work = Birmingham Post |date = 13 March 2008 |access-date = 23 September 2010 |archive-date = 4 June 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110604063504/http://icbirmingham.icnetwork.co.uk/birminghampost/sport-news/tm_headline%3Dmaxi-priest-is-new-singer-with-ub40%26method%3Dfull%26objectid%3D20619788%26siteid%3D65233-name_page.html |url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/03/14/maxi-priest-to-join-ub40-97319-20622173/ |title = Maxi Priest to join UB40 |work = Birmingham Mail |access-date = 23 September 2010 |archive-date = 10 February 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120210031756/http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/03/14/maxi-priest-to-join-ub40-97319-20622173/ |url-status = live }}</ref> Another local newspaper reporting that Maxi Priest would be the new UB40 frontman also included a statement from band spokesman Gerard Franklyn, which contradicted this claim: "Maxi is collaborating with the band to record material, but no decision has been made to replace Ali Campbell with one definitive singer. The reports are half correct; he will be appearing with them for this new recording."<ref>{{cite news |url = https://www.expressandstar.com/2008/03/14/maxi-priest-is-new-ub40-frontman/ |title = Maxi Priest is new UB40 frontman |work = Express and Star |access-date = 23 September 2010 |archive-date = 26 June 2009 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090626201043/http://www.expressandstar.com/2008/03/14/maxi-priest-is-new-ub40-frontman/ |url-status = dead }}</ref> In April 2008, the BBC reported that Campbell was to be replaced in the band by his brother Duncan, with reggae singer Maxi Priest also bolstering the line-up on tour.<ref>{{cite news |last = Youngs |first = Ian |url = https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7375518.stm |title = UB40 singer replaced by brother Duncan Campbell |publisher = BBC News |date = 2 May 2008 |access-date = 23 September 2010 |archive-date = 13 September 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140913062230/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7375518.stm |url-status = live }}</ref>

[[File:TraversParryUB40.jpg|thumb|right|Brian Travers and Laurence Parry of UB40 at [[Birmingham Symphony Hall]], England, October 2010]]
The band released their next album, ''[[TwentyFourSeven (UB40 album)|TwentyFourSeven]]'', UB40's last with their classic line-up, as a free insert in ''[[The Mail on Sunday]]''{{'}}s 4 May 2008 issue. The newspaper sold nearly three million copies. This led to a backlash when the full 17-track version was released on 21 June 2008, and most of the major retailers refused to stock it.{{citation needed|date=June 2020}} It failed to reach the Top 75 in the UK, marking a first, as all their official albums had previously made the Top 50 on the [[UK Albums Chart]].<ref name=ukcharts/> Their next release, on EMI, was a compilation titled ''Love Songs'', featuring hits mainly from the ''Labour of Love'' series, all of which featured Ali Campbell on vocals – it reached number 3 in the UK.<ref name=ukcharts/> The band toured the US, including their first show at the [[Hollywood Bowl]].<ref name=hb2008>{{cite web |title = UB40: Folk fans feel the benefit |url = http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/710/ub40_folk_fans_feel_the_benefit/ |website = Bluesandsoul.com |access-date = 12 June 2013 |archive-date = 29 September 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130929174109/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/710/ub40_folk_fans_feel_the_benefit/ |url-status = live }}</ref>

In 2009, the band released their first new album with their new lead singer [[Duncan Campbell (UB40)|Duncan Campbell]], another entry in the ''Labour of Love'' cover series entitled ''[[Labour of Love IV]]''. The album charted for only two weeks, reaching number 24.<ref name=ukcharts>{{cite web |title = UB40 Official UK charts |url = http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/ub40/ |website = Officialcharts.com |access-date = 12 June 2013 |archive-date = 15 July 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130715034005/http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/ub40 |url-status = live }}</ref> During the 2009 US tour, UB40 offered fans live concert recordings on USB wristbands. The wristbands also included the ''Dub Sessions'' remix album and photos.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.velvetrope.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=646126 |title = Velvet Rope Forums: UB40 – USB&nbsp;– HOB |website = Velvetrope.com |access-date = 23 September 2010 |archive-date = 17 July 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110717192713/http://www.velvetrope.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=646126 |url-status = live }}</ref>

[[File:UB40 guitar, HRC Sacramento.jpg|thumb|left|upright|UB40 guitar at the [[Hard Rock Cafe]], Sacramento, California]]
UB40 announced that after completing a coast-to-coast 2010 American tour, they would be playing a nationwide UK tour of theatres in October/November 2010, performing their seminal album ''Signing Off'' in full, along with a second set of popular UB40 songs. To coincide, on 1 November 2010, a remastered 2CD+DVD of ''Signing Off'' was released as a '30th Anniversary Special Edition'.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/599/ali_candbell_dub_been_good_to_me/|title=Ali Campbell: Dub been good to me|author=Stephen Clark|website=Bluesandsoul.com|access-date=29 October 2010|archive-date=24 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224133706/http://www.bluesandsoul.com/feature/599/ali_candbell_dub_been_good_to_me/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2011, five founding members of the group and directors of their [[DEP International]] label had bankruptcy proceedings initiated against them in relation to debts of the record label.<ref name=Bankruptcy1>{{cite news |title = UB40 fight record label DEP International bankruptcy |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-14061835 |publisher = BBC News |access-date = 2 August 2011 |date = 7 July 2011 |archive-date = 10 July 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110710032802/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-14061835 |url-status = live }}</ref> In October 2011, Travers, Wilson, Hassan, and Brown were declared bankrupt.<ref name="brupt">{{cite web |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15348236 |title = UB40 band members declared bankrupt by judge |publisher = BBC News |date = 18 October 2011 |access-date = 18 October 2011 |archive-date = 18 October 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111018164258/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15348236 |url-status = live }}</ref> Former member Ali Campbell was also declared bankrupt.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.nme.com/news/ub40/59988 |title = Ex-UB40 singer Ali Cambell declared bankrupt |website = Nme.com |date = 24 October 2011 |access-date = 7 June 2013 |archive-date = 10 May 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130510054352/http://www.nme.com/news/ub40/59988 |url-status = live }}</ref> In 2013, a new album, ''[[Getting Over the Storm]]'', was announced, their first since 2010 and ''Labour of Love IV''.<ref name="CM">{{cite web |url = http://www.contactmusic.com/press/ub40-release-album-getting-over-the-storm-on-2nd-september-2013 |title = Ub40 Release Album 'Getting Over The Storm' On 2nd September 2013 |website = Contactmusic.com |date = 28 June 2013 |access-date = 9 July 2013 |archive-date = 3 July 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130703042211/http://www.contactmusic.com/press/ub40-release-album-getting-over-the-storm-on-2nd-september-2013 |url-status = live }}</ref>

<!-- [[File:UB 40 (6760021537).jpg|thumb|upright|This is not Astro performing with UB40 in Sydney, Australia in 2012]] -->
In November 2013, UB40 announced dates for their UK tour in early 2014. The announcement followed the success of the band's latest Top 30 album, ''Getting Over the Storm'', which was awarded [[BBC Radio 2]]'s 'Album of the Week' accolade and received five-star reviews from the UK's music press upon its release in September 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/182478/9 |title = UB40 Reveal Dates For 2014 UK Tour |publisher = Stereoboard |date = 4 November 2013 |access-date = 24 April 2014 |archive-date = 10 August 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220810002430/https://www.stereoboard.com/content/view/182478/9 |url-status = live }}</ref> On 22 November 2013, Astro announced in a statement that he had left the band, describing it as a "rudderless ship" and criticising the "serious lack of communication between the band and management" as well as the country-oriented direction of their latest album.<ref>{{cite news |first = Rhian |last = Jones |title = UB40 singer Astro splits from band |url = http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/ub40-singer-astro-splits-from-band/056837 |newspaper = [[Music Week]] |publisher = Intent Media |location = London, England |date = 22 November 2013 |access-date = 17 January 2014 |archive-date = 29 January 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140129213450/http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/ub40-singer-astro-splits-from-band/056837 |url-status = live }}</ref> Astro joined former UB40 members Ali Campbell and Mickey Virtue on stage at the [[indigO2]] Arena in London on 6 December 2013,<ref>{{cite news |first = Tom |last = Pakinkis |title = Original UB40 lead vocalists to reunite after 6 years |url = http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/original-ub40-lead-vocalists-to-reunite-after-6-years/056862 |newspaper = Music Week |publisher = Intent Media |location = London, England |date = 26 November 2013 |access-date = 17 January 2014 |archive-date = 31 January 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140131070835/http://www.musicweek.com/news/read/original-ub40-lead-vocalists-to-reunite-after-6-years/056862 |url-status = live }}</ref> and on 17 January 2014, the trio announced on their website that they were in the studio recording new music.<ref>{{cite web |title = UB40 founding members reform to record a new album |url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-25773056 |work = [[BBC News]] |date = 17 January 2014 |access-date = 21 June 2018 |archive-date = 31 December 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20171231232429/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-25773056 |url-status = live }}</ref> Ali Campbell was highly critical of his replacement in UB40, stating, "I sat back for five years and watched my brother Duncan murdering my songs."<ref name="YP">{{cite news |url=http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/yorkshire-living/arts/music/rival-band-remains-true-to-its-roots-in-reggae-1-6483716 |title=Rival band remains true to its roots in reggae |newspaper=[[Yorkshire Post]] |date=7 March 2014 |access-date=8 March 2014 |archive-date=8 March 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140308131938/http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/yorkshire-living/arts/music/rival-band-remains-true-to-its-roots-in-reggae-1-6483716 |url-status=live }}</ref> Ali Campbell toured as UB40 with Astro and Virtue over the summer. The new album, ''Silhouette'', featuring the trio, was set for release on 6 October 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ub40.org/|title=The Legendary Voice of UB40 Reunited with Astro and Mickey|website=UB40.org|date=18 July 2014|access-date=23 January 2025|archive-date=13 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140713050135/http://www.ub40.org/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In December 2014, Ali Campbell claimed that he would be prepared to go to the [[High Court of Justice|High Court]] in London over the matter rather than [[Settlement (litigation)|settle out of court]].<ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/ub40-singer-ali-campbell-says-8266465 |title = UB40 singer Ali Campbell says 'let them sue' over long running feud with brother |work = Birmingham Mail |date = 13 December 2014 |access-date = 18 December 2014 |author = Laws, Roz |archive-date = 14 December 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141214105536/http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/ub40-singer-ali-campbell-says-8266465 |url-status = live }}</ref>

Duncan Campbell retired from UB40 in June 2021 due to ill health, following a stroke he had suffered the previous year; he was replaced the following month by Matt Doyle of fellow Birmingham reggae band Kioko.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-57720082 |title=Matt Doyle announced as UB40's new lead singer |work=BBC News |date=5 July 2021 |access-date=14 September 2021 |archive-date=14 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210914134315/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-57720082 |url-status=live }}</ref>

On 22 August 2021, saxophonist Brian Travers died of cancer at the age of 62 in his [[Moseley]] home.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-58307306 |title=Brian Travers: UB40 saxophonist and songwriter dies at 62 |work=BBC News |date=23 August 2021 |access-date=14 September 2021 |archive-date=7 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210907231843/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-58307306 |url-status=live }}</ref> On 6 November of that year, former vocalist and founding member Astro died following a short illness at the age of 64.<ref name=":0" />

In August 2022, the band performed "Red Red Wine" at the Commonwealth Games Closing Ceremony,<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-62455550 | title=Commonwealth Games closing ceremony line-up announced | work=BBC News | date=8 August 2022 | access-date=9 August 2022 | archive-date=8 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808153816/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-birmingham-62455550 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://retropopmagazine.com/ub40-dexys-among-performers-at-2022-commonwealth-games-closing-ceremony/ | title=UB40, Dexys among performers at 2022 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony | date=8 August 2022 | access-date=9 August 2022 | archive-date=8 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808183955/https://retropopmagazine.com/ub40-dexys-among-performers-at-2022-commonwealth-games-closing-ceremony/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/aug/08/commonwealth-games-closing-show-to-give-a-nod-to-peaky-blinders | title=Commonwealth Games closing show to give a nod to Peaky Blinders | website=[[TheGuardian.com]] | date=7 August 2022 | access-date=9 August 2022 | archive-date=9 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809130823/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/aug/08/commonwealth-games-closing-show-to-give-a-nod-to-peaky-blinders | url-status=live }}</ref> with the show also featuring other acts from Birmingham and the West Midlands region, such as [[Musical Youth]], [[Panjabi MC]], [[Dexys]],<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/commonwealth-games/60855425 | title=Recap as colourful ceremony closes Commonwealth Games | work=BBC Sport | date=8 August 2022 | access-date=9 August 2022 | archive-date=9 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809060906/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/commonwealth-games/60855425 | url-status=live }}</ref> [[Ozzy Osbourne]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001b0rp | title=Commonwealth Games - Closing Ceremony | access-date=9 August 2022 | archive-date=8 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808195839/https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m001b0rp/commonwealth-games-closing-ceremony | url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Apache Indian (musician)|Apache Indian]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/jorja-smith-laura-mvula-ub40-dexys-and-more-to-close-commonwealth-games-tonight-3285106 | title=Jorja Smith, Laura Mvula, UB40, Dexys and more to close Commonwealth Games tonight | website=[[NME]] | date=8 August 2022 | access-date=9 August 2022 | archive-date=9 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809130824/https://www.nme.com/news/music/jorja-smith-laura-mvula-ub40-dexys-and-more-to-close-commonwealth-games-tonight-3285106 | url-status=live }}</ref> They also released the single "Champion" in association with the Commonwealth Games, with this Official Anthem being their first single sung by Matt Doyle.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://ub40.global/news/new-track-champion-ft-gilly-g/ | title=New track 'Champion ft Gilly G' | date=17 June 2022 | access-date=9 August 2022 | archive-date=8 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220808183835/https://ub40.global/news/new-track-champion-ft-gilly-g/ | url-status=live }}</ref> "Champion" also features Dapz on the Map and Gilly G, and can be found on the ''On Record''<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/birmingham-2022-album-on-record-24255632 | title=11 track love letter to Brum 'On Record' launched in city | date=17 June 2022 | access-date=9 August 2022 | archive-date=22 June 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622062645/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/birmingham-2022-album-on-record-24255632 | url-status=live }}</ref> compilation of Birmingham-based bands, alongside "It's a Brum Ting" by Friendly Fire Band, the track the BBC used for their Commonwealth Games coverage.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.tvzoneuk.com/post/bbc-commonwealth22 | title=Commonwealth Games: BBC Unveil Coverage Plans for 2022 Events | date=23 June 2022 | access-date=9 August 2022 | archive-date=23 June 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220623092107/https://www.tvzoneuk.com/post/bbc-commonwealth22 | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2022/07/20/bbc-builds-birmingham-commonwealth-games-hype-with-stop-motion-animation | title=BBC builds Birmingham Commonwealth Games hype with stop-motion animation | access-date=9 August 2022 | archive-date=9 August 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220809132755/https://www.thedrum.com/news/2022/07/20/bbc-builds-birmingham-commonwealth-games-hype-with-stop-motion-animation | url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 19th, 2024 the band released their 21st studio album, UB45, celebrating their 45th anniversary. The album features new tracks like "Fool Me Once" and "Say Nothing," alongside re-recordings of classics such as "Food For Thought," "Red Red Wine," and "Kingston Town". It debuted at #5 on the U.K. Official Albums Chart.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-05-02 |title=UB45 |url=https://www.officialcharts.com/albums/ub40-ub45/ |access-date=2025-11-07 |website=Official Charts |language=en}}</ref> The Ultimate edition of the album includes the Birmingham City Football Club Fan favourite, "Forever True", a revamp of their hit song, "Food For Thought" that the Blues fans sing each time that the team score a goal. 

Speaking about the track to the BBC, lead singer Matt Doyle said: "Now we wanted something that's just for them. We can say: 'We appreciate the support over the years and singing the song when you score a goal, so here's something for you." <ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-02 |title=UB40 revamp classic song for Birmingham City fans |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cxezzv3jzepo |access-date=2025-11-07 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> 

On the 3rd November, 2025 UB40 announced on social media <ref>{{Cite web |title=Instagram |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/DQlqfy8gs3U/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link |access-date=2025-11-10 |website=www.instagram.com}}</ref> that they are working on their new album, (name yet to be announced) due to be released in 2026. 

==Influences==
UB40 were influenced by the many [[Sound system (Jamaican)|blues parties]] they attended as teenagers in the multicultural [[Balsall Heath]] area of Birmingham. They were inspired by artists like [[Bob Marley]] and [[Elvis Presley]]. Their love of [[ska]], [[reggae]] and early [[lovers rock]] inspired such original tracks as "King", "Madam Medusa", "Food for Thought", "Signing Off" and "One in Ten".<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.solarnavigator.net/music/ub40.htm |title = UB40 A to Z DIRECTORY OF SINGERS AND SONGS |website = Solarnavigator.net |access-date = 24 April 2014 |archive-date = 14 February 2014 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140214034148/http://www.solarnavigator.net/music/ub40.htm |url-status = live }}</ref> Their early musical style was unique, with a heavy influence of [[analogue synthesizer|analogue synthesisers]], [[psychedelic music|psychedelic]] [[Rock and roll|rock]] guitar, saxophone and [[dub music|dub]] producer techniques.<ref>{{cite web |title = UB40: The History |url = http://www.ub40.co.uk/introduction.html |website = Ub40.co.uk |access-date = 17 December 2014 |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141214181344/http://www.ub40.co.uk/introduction.html |archive-date = 14 December 2014 |df = dmy-all }}</ref>

The Campbell brothers are the sons of the late [[folk music]]ian, [[Ian Campbell (folk musician)|Ian Campbell]].<ref>{{cite news|last=Suart|first=Paul|date=29 November 2012|title=Tributes paid as Ian Campbell, dad of UB40's Robin and Ali, dies aged 79|url=http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/tributes-as-ian-campbell-dad-of-ub40s-342553|work=Birmingham Mail|access-date=17 December 2014|archive-date=17 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141217205932/http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/local-news/tributes-as-ian-campbell-dad-of-ub40s-342553|url-status=live}}</ref> Their father regularly took them to folk festivals and gigs and introduced them to music and to touring. It was at his father's folk club "Jug O' Punch" that Ali Campbell made his singing debut with [[Dave Swarbrick]]'s daughter, Suss, singing "Why Does It Have To Be Me?".<ref name="CampbellCampbell200610">{{cite book |author1 = Ali Campbell |author2 = Robin Campbell |title = Blood and Fire: The Autobiography of the UB40 Brothers |url = https://books.google.com/books?id=wwQP5JmiYEQC&pg=PA10 |date = 1 June 2006 |publisher = Random House |isbn = 978-0-09-947654-2 |pages = 10– |access-date = 9 October 2016 |archive-date = 2 May 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190502163910/https://books.google.com/books?id=wwQP5JmiYEQC&pg=PA10 |url-status = live }}</ref>

==Achievements==
UB40 are one of the most commercially successful reggae acts in history in terms of record sales (over 100 million), chart positions, and touring schedule.<ref name="TFE">{{cite news |last= |first= |date= |title=Track Record: UB40’s Robin Campbell… |url=https://musicrepublicmagazine.com/2020/06/track-record-ub40s-robin-campbell/ |url-status= |archive-url= |archive-date= |access-date= |work= |location=}}</ref> Over the course of their career, they have performed sell-out shows worldwide, headlined the [[Reggae Sunsplash]] music festival in [[Jamaica]], and introduced reggae to places such as Russia and South America. They have performed twice at the [[Night of the Proms]], in 2000 and 2006. They have been nominated for the [[Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album]] four times, and in 1984, they were nominated for the [[Brit Award]] for Best British Group.<ref name="Brits"/>

In October 2011, UB40 were honoured with a [[Heritage Award]], a ceremonial plaque from the UK's [[PRS for Music]]. The plaque was placed at the Hare & Hounds Pub in [[Birmingham]], England, the venue where they played their first gig.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2011/10/04/ub40-see-plaque-unveiled-at-kings-heath-pub-the-hare-hounds-65233-29537825/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111020225053/http://www.birminghampost.net/news/west-midlands-news/2011/10/04/ub40-see-plaque-unveiled-at-kings-heath-pub-the-hare-hounds-65233-29537825/|url-status=dead|archive-date=2011-10-20|title=UB40 see plaque unveiled at Kings Heath pub the Hare & Hounds - West Midlands News - News - Birmingham Post|date=20 October 2011}}</ref>

All three of their UK number one hits and four of their five US [[Billboard Hot 100|top ten]] hits were [[cover version]]s. UB40's collaborators include: [[Pato Banton]], [[Madness (band)|Madness]], [[Bitty McLean]], [[Chrissie Hynde]], [[Maxi Priest]], [[Robert Palmer]], [[Hunterz]], Japanese artist Mikidozan, French artist Nuttea, [[Lady Saw]], [[Afrika Bambaataa]], and [[808 State]]. With 214 weeks spent on the UK singles charts during the 1980s, UB40 and Madness hold the record for the most weeks spent by a group on the UK singles charts during that decade.<ref name="The News"/>

Reflecting on the group's longevity, Ali Campbell has said that they were fortunate in choosing a relatively young genre, as reggae "... hasn't outlived its own cool like jazz has".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-44212628|title=UB40's Ali Campbell: 'We're still cool'|last=Savage|first=Mark|date=2018-05-23|work=BBC News|access-date=2018-05-23|language=en-GB|archive-date=27 May 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527030207/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-44212628|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Band members==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
'''Current members'''
* Jimmy Brown – drums {{small|(1978–present)}}
* Robin Campbell – guitar, vocals, keyboards {{small|(1978–present)}}
* Earl Falconer – bass guitar, synth bass, vocals, keyboards {{small|(1978–present)}}
* Norman Lamont Hassan – percussion, vocals {{small|(1978–present)}}
* Laurence Parry – trumpet, flügel horn, trombone, backing vocals {{small|(2016–present; session/touring 1994–2016)}}
* Martin Meredith – alto saxophone, keyboards, aerophone {{small|(2016–present; session/touring 1997–2016)}}
* Matt Doyle – vocals, guitar {{small|(2021–present)}}
* Ian Thompson – tenor saxophone, keyboards, percussion {{small|(2021–present; previously substituted for Travers from 2019)}}
* Gilly G – toasting, backing vocals {{small|(2023–present; guest 2018–2023)}}
* Jahred Gordon – keyboards, guitar, bass, saxophone {{small|(2023–present)}}
* Matt Campbell – backing vocals {{small|(2023–present)}}

{{col-2}}

'''Former members'''
* Brian Travers – tenor saxophone {{small|(1978–2021; died 2021)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/ub40-musician-brian-travers-dies-21379384|title=UB40 star Brian Travers dies aged 62|first=Nisha|last=Mal|date=23 August 2021|website=WalesOnline|access-date=23 August 2021|archive-date=23 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210823123821/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/uk-news/ub40-musician-brian-travers-dies-21379384|url-status=live}}</ref>}}
* [[Ali Campbell]] – vocals, guitar {{small|(1978–2008)}}
* Yomi Babayemi – percussion {{small|(1978–1979)}}
* Jimmy Lynn – keyboards {{small|(1978–1979)}}
* Mickey Virtue – keyboards {{small|(1979–2008)}}
* Astro – toasting, vocals, percussion, trumpet {{small|(1979–2013; died 2021)}}
* Duncan Campbell – vocals {{small|(2008–2021)}}
* Tony Mullings – keyboards {{small|(2016–2023; session/touring 2008–2016)}}

'''Former touring musicians'''
* Henry Tenyue – trombone {{small|(1983–1994)}}
* Patrick Tenyue – trumpet {{small|(1983–1994)}}

{{col-end}}

===Timeline===
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize = width:800 height:auto barincrement:25
PlotArea = left:90 bottom:100 top:10 right:0
Alignbars = justify
DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy
Period = from:01/12/1978 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}}
TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom  columns:4
ScaleMajor = increment:5 start:1979
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1979

Colors =
  id:Vocals     value:red          legend:Vocals
  id:Trumpet    value:yelloworange legend:Trumpet
  id:Trombone   value:coral        legend:Trombone
  id:Saxophone  value:skyblue      legend:Saxophone
  id:Guitars    value:green        legend:Guitars
  id:Keyboard   value:purple       legend:Keyboards
  id:Bass       value:blue         legend:Bass
  id:Drums      value:orange       legend:Drums
  id:Percussion value:claret       legend:Percussion
  id:Lines      value:black        legend:Studio&nbsp;albums

LineData =
  at:29/08/1980 color:black layer:back
  at:29/05/1981 color:black layer:back
  at:27/09/1982 color:black layer:back
  at:12/09/1983 color:black layer:back
  at:16/10/1984 color:black layer:back
  at:02/09/1985 color:black layer:back
  at:28/07/1986 color:black layer:back
  at:11/07/1988 color:black layer:back
  at:27/11/1989 color:black layer:back
  at:27/07/1993 color:black layer:back
  at:30/06/1997 color:black layer:back
  at:17/11/1998 color:black layer:back
  at:22/11/2001 color:black layer:back
  at:03/11/2003 color:black layer:back
  at:18/07/2005 color:black layer:back
  at:09/06/2008 color:black layer:back
  at:08/02/2010 color:black layer:back
  at:02/09/2013 color:black layer:back
  at:02/03/2018 color:black layer:back
  at:15/03/2019 color:black layer:back
  at:25/06/2021 color:black layer:back

BarData =
  bar:Ali text:"Ali Campbell"
  bar:Duncan text:"Duncan Campbell"
  bar:Matt text:"Matt Doyle"
  bar:Astro text:"Astro"
  bar:Gilly text:"Gilly G"
  bar:Robin text:"Robin Campbell"
  bar:Brian text:"Brian Travers"
  bar:Martin text:"Martin Meredith"
  bar:Ian text:"Ian Thompson"
  bar:Laurence text:"Laurence Parry"
  bar:Lynn text:"Jimmy Lynn"
  bar:Mickey text:"Mickey Virtue"
  bar:Tony text:"Tony Mullings"
  bar:Jahred text:"Jahred Gordon"
  bar:Earl text:"Earl Falconer"
  bar:Jimmy text:"Jimmy Brown"
  bar:Norman text:"Norman Hassan"
  bar:Yomi text:"Yomi Babayemi"

PlotData=
  width:13 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(10,-4)
  bar:Ali from:start till:24/01/2008 color:Guitars width:3
  bar:Ali from:start till:24/01/2008 color:Vocals
  bar:Duncan from:30/04/2008 till:28/07/2021 color:Vocals
  bar:Matt from:05/07/2021 till:end color:Vocals
  bar:Matt from:05/07/2021 till:end color:Guitars width:3
  bar:Robin from:start till:end color:Guitars
  bar:Robin from:start till:end color:Vocals width:3
  bar:Earl from:start till:end color:Bass
  bar:Earl from:01/01/1989 till:end color:Vocals width:3
  bar:Lynn from:start till:28/02/1979 color:Keyboard
  bar:Mickey from:28/02/1979 till:10/02/2008 color:Keyboard
  bar:Tony from:10/02/2008 till:01/05/2016 color:Keyboard width:3
  bar:Tony from:01/05/2016 till:01/07/2023 color:Keyboard
  bar:Jahred from:01/07/2023 till:end color:Keyboard
  bar:Jahred from:01/07/2023 till:end color:Guitars width:7
  bar:Jahred from:01/07/2023 till:end color:Bass width:3
  bar:Astro from:31/03/1979 till:22/11/2013 color:Vocals
  bar:Astro from:31/03/1979 till:22/11/2013 color:Percussion width:3
  bar:Astro from:01/01/1981 till:22/11/2013 color:Trumpet width:7
  bar:Gilly from:01/07/2023 till:end color:Vocals
  bar:Norman from:start till:end color:Percussion
  bar:Norman from:01/01/1981 till:01/01/1982 color:Trombone width:3
  bar:Norman from:01/01/1982 till:end color:Trombone width:7
  bar:Norman from:01/01/1982 till:end color:Vocals width:3
  bar:Brian from:start till:22/08/2021 color:Saxophone
  bar:Martin from:01/01/1997 till:01/05/2016 color:Saxophone width:3
  bar:Martin from:01/05/2016 till:end color:Saxophone
  bar:Martin from:01/05/2016 till:end color:Keyboard width:3
  bar:Ian from:01/01/2019 till:22/08/2021 color:Saxophone width:3
  bar:Ian from:22/08/2021 till:end color:Saxophone
  bar:Ian from:22/08/2021 till:end color:Keyboard width:3
  bar:Ian from:22/08/2021 till:end color:Percussion width:7
  bar:Laurence from:01/01/1994 till:01/05/2016 color:Trumpet width:3
  bar:Laurence from:01/05/2016 till:end color:Trumpet
  bar:Laurence from:01/05/2016 till:end color:Trombone width:7
  bar:Laurence from:01/05/2016 till:end color:Vocals width:3
  bar:Jimmy from:start till:end color:Drums
  bar:Yomi from:start till:28/02/1979 color:Percussion
}}

==Biographies==

===Astro===
Terence Oswald Wilson (24 June 1957 – 6 November 2021), better known by his stage name Astro, was a British musician, rapper, and toaster, who was part of UB40 from 1979 until he left the group in November 2013.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|date=2021-11-07|title=UB40 founding member Astro dies after short illness|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-59195024|access-date=2021-11-07|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107081135/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-59195024|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ub40.co.uk/astro.html |title=Astro |publisher=Ub40.co.uk |access-date=2011-01-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606163819/http://www.ub40.co.uk/astro.html |archive-date=6 June 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Astro-quits-UB40-band_15505283 | title=Astro quits UB40 band | work=Jamaica Observer | date=23 November 2013 | access-date=1 March 2014 | archive-date=10 February 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140210055027/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Astro-quits-UB40-band_15505283 | url-status=live }}</ref> His nickname originated from his childhood, as he wore a pair of Dr. Martens boots with the model name "Astronaut".<ref name=:0/>

Born to Jamaican immigrant parents, he went to school with the future keyboard player of UB40, Virtue. While DJ-ing, he met the Campbell brothers, and bonded so well with them over a shared love of Jamaican music that they invited him to join them as their MC. He believed that reggae music was for everyone, not just for Jamaican Rastafarians.<ref name="TFE" />

In the band's 1983 version of "Red Red Wine," he added his own "toasting" lyrics, a Jamaican precursor to rapping. This became an integral part of the group's sound. Astro offered the band a more militant edge, rapping about social injustice and racism. He experienced racism himself when he was refused entry to nightclubs because of his dreadlocks, while white members of the band were allowed in.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Astro obituary|newspaper=[[The Times]]|language=en|url=https://www.thetimes.com/uk/article/astro-obituary-68dvpm5mq|access-date=2021-11-11|issn=0140-0460|archive-date=11 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211111122951/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/astro-obituary-68dvpm5mq|url-status=live}}</ref>

He eventually quit the band in 2013 after they decided to record a set of country songs. He was not interested in this genre of music and was solely focused on performing and promoting reggae. He went on to join Ali Campbell and Virtue in a rival band to UB40.<ref name="TFE" />

Astro died following a short illness on 6 November 2021, at the age of 64.<ref name=":0" />

===Duncan Campbell===
[[File:DuncanCampbell.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Duncan Campbell with UB40, [[Birmingham Symphony Hall]], 2010]]
'''Duncan Campbell''' (born 3 April 1958 in [[Birmingham]]) is an English musician and former lead singer of UB40. He joined the band in 2008 after the departure of his brother [[Ali Campbell]],<ref name=Duncan>{{cite web |last=Youngs |first=Ian |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/7375518.stm |title=Entertainment &#124; UB40 singer replaced by brother |publisher=BBC News |date=2 May 2008 |access-date=27 January 2011 |archive-date=13 September 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140913062230/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/7375518.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> the former UB40 lead singer. Current bandmate Robin Campbell is also his brother, and he is the son of the late folk singer [[Ian Campbell (folk musician)|Ian Campbell]].<ref name=Duncan/> Campbell announced his retirement from live concert performances after suffering a stroke in August 2020. His replacement as lead singer was announced on 5 July 2021 as Matt Doyle, formerly of the band Kioko.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/ub40-duncan-campbell-matt-doyle-tour-2021-b1878158.html|title=UB40 replace Duncan Campbell with Matt Doyle as lead singer|date=5 July 2021|website=The Independent|access-date=5 July 2021|archive-date=5 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210705080306/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/ub40-duncan-campbell-matt-doyle-tour-2021-b1878158.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

Campbell sang in a harmony group with his brothers as children and performed with their father on stage. He also recorded a reggae album in Jamaica for his brother Ali's record label, but it was never released. He was a professional [[Spoon (musical instrument)|spoon player]]. "I was the only professional spoon player in the country registered with the [[Musicians' Union (UK)|Musicians' Union]] – until they registered me as a vocalist," said Campbell. He also worked as a casino manager in [[Barbados]], ran a [[fish and chip]] shop in [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth, Australia]], and has worked as an actor.<ref name=Duncan/>

On 24 January 2008, UB40 lead singer [[Ali Campbell]] announced that he was leaving the band after a dispute with the previous management; UB40 announced that they would carry on. On 30 April 2008, UB40 unveiled Duncan as their new lead singer.

Duncan was offered the position of lead singer in 1978, but turned it down at the time, and said that he "wouldn't get the chance in another 30 years". Ali Campbell was "disappointed but didn't object" to him joining UB40. When asked why he did not join UB40 in 1978, he joked that it was because they were "crap"<ref>{{YouTube|hOwjh56Ldtc|UB40 UBTV..Christmas Special..Anant Shah asks Duncan...}} Recorded 29 November 2009.</ref> and that he "was too smart for them and he knew that they would get nowhere".<ref>{{YouTube|j7qqjFNIH48|UB40 play New Faces on BBC Midlands Today}}</ref> 

In 2014, Ali formed his own version of UB40 with Astro and Mickey Virtue named "UB40 featuring Ali Campbell" He said of his brother's singing, "I sat back for five years and watched my brother Duncan murdering my songs. We're saving the legacy".<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/arts-and-culture/rival-band-remains-true-to-its-roots-in-reggae-1844217 | title=Rival band remains true to its roots in reggae | work=Yorkshire Post | date=7 March 2014 | access-date=9 March 2015 | archive-date=25 October 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141025180915/http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/yorkshire-living/arts/music/rival-band-remains-true-to-its-roots-in-reggae-1-6483716 | url-status=live }}</ref> Duncan suffered a [[stroke]] in August 2020<ref>{{cite web |title=UB40 singer Duncan Campbell 'up and about' after suffering stroke |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-53648430 |website=BBC |date=4 August 2020 |access-date=4 August 2020 |archive-date=4 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804121532/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-53648430 |url-status=live }}</ref> and announced his retirement from the band in June 2021, citing ill health.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57637117|title=UB40: Singer Duncan Campbell announces retirement|date=28 June 2021|publisher=BBC News|access-date=28 June 2021|archive-date=28 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210628111316/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-57637117|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Earl Falconer===
Earl Acton Falconer<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://repertoire.bmi.com/writer.asp|archive-url=https://archive.today/20150309234752/http://repertoire.bmi.com/writer.asp?page=1&blnWriter=True&blnPublisher=True&blnArtist=True&fromrow=1&torow=25&affiliation=PRS&cae=85137470&keyID=108109&keyname=FALCONER+EARL+ACTON&querytype=WriterID|url-status=dead|title=BMI &#124; Repertoire Search|archive-date=9 March 2015|access-date=21 June 2021}}</ref> (born 23 January 1957 in [[Meriden, West Midlands|Meriden]], Warwickshire) is a British bass player and singer in UB40. Falconer also co-founded the [[UK bass]] label [[Circus Records]] alongside [[Flux Pavilion]], [[Doctor P]] and DJ Swan-E.

Falconer attended St. Benedict's junior school and Mosely Road School of Art. At the time of UB40's formation, he was an unemployed [[plasterer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ub40-dep.com/band/earl.php|title=UB40 official homepage|access-date=23 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117023456/http://www.ub40-dep.com/band/earl.php|archive-date=17 November 2007|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

===Norman Hassan===
'''Norman Lamont Hassan''' (born 26 January 1958) is a British musician of Yemeni and Welsh descent, best known as a member of UB40 since its formation in 1978. Hassan was born in [[Birmingham]] to Yemeni and Welsh parents. He attended Park Hill School and later Queensbridge School in the city. Before joining UB40 in 1978, he worked as a carpet fitter.

Initially starting as a percussionist in 1978, he learned to play the trombone in 1981 when the band decided to add a brass section. He sang his first lead vocal on ''[[Labour of Love]]''. He is also known for his on-stage dancing. Like the rest of UB40, he still resides in the city of [[Birmingham]]. He is a fan of the local football club [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]]. His musical tastes are wide-ranging, from reggae to soul to opera.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ub40.co.uk/norman-hassan.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130505105136/http://www.ub40.co.uk/norman-hassan.html|url-status=dead|title=Norman Hassan|website=UB40.co.uk|archive-date=5 May 2013}}</ref>

===Brian Travers===
'''Brian David Travers''' was one of the founders of the band. He played the saxophone and was also an arranger and lyricist. He had been suffering from cancer since 2019 and died in August 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2021/music/obituaries-people-news/brian-travers-dead-ub40-founding-member-1235046999/|title=UB40 Founding Member Brian Travers Dies at 62|date=23 August 2021|access-date=18 November 2021|archive-date=18 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118085452/https://variety.com/2021/music/obituaries-people-news/brian-travers-dead-ub40-founding-member-1235046999/|url-status=live}}</ref> Travers was a founding member of the socialist [[Workers Party of Britain]] in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|date=23 August 2021|title=Workers Party Statement on passing of founding member Brian Travers|url=https://workerspartybritain.org/2021/08/23/workers-party-statement-on-passing-of-founding-member-brian-travers/|access-date=25 August 2021|website=Workers Party of Britain|language=en-GB|archive-date=30 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220530032246/https://workerspartybritain.org/2021/08/23/workers-party-statement-on-passing-of-founding-member-brian-travers/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==UB40 featuring Ali Campbell==
[[File:UB40 ali and astro.png|thumb|UB40 Featuring Ali and Astro performing in 2020.]]
In January 2014, Astro, along with former UB40 members Ali Campbell and Mickey Virtue, announced plans to reform and record under the UB40 name.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.nme.com/news/ub40/74976 | title=Original UB40 members announce reunion | work=New Musical Express | date=19 January 2014 | access-date=1 March 2014 | archive-date=4 March 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304175825/http://www.nme.com/news/ub40/74976 | url-status=live }}</ref> The band released their new song, "Reggae Music", as a free download in January 2014.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.reggaeville.com/nc/artist-details/artist/ali-campbell/news/reunited-ub40-release-new-song-reggae-music-as-free-download/ac/news/update/1.html | title=Reunited UB40 Release New Song 'Reggae Music' As Free Download | website=Reggaeville.com | date=31 January 2014 | access-date=1 March 2014 | archive-date=28 February 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140228205652/http://www.reggaeville.com/nc/artist-details/artist/ali-campbell/news/reunited-ub40-release-new-song-reggae-music-as-free-download/ac/news/update/1.html | url-status=live }}</ref> In February, with both the original band and the newly formed splinter group set to perform in [[Dubai]] under the name UB40 within a few months of each other, Ali Campbell's group announced a name change to "UB40 Reunited".<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/ub40-v-ub40-in-dubai-the-brothers-speak-out-over-reggae-grudge-match | title=UB40 v UB40 in Dubai: the brothers speak out over reggae grudge match | website=Thenational.ae | date=24 February 2014 | access-date=1 March 2014 | archive-date=4 March 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140304021118/http://www.thenational.ae/arts-culture/music/ub40-v-ub40-in-dubai-the-brothers-speak-out-over-reggae-grudge-match | url-status=live }}</ref>

The splinter group later changed its name again, settling on "UB40 featuring Ali, Astro, and Mickey", until late 2018, when Virtue departed the band. After this, they continued touring and recording as "UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/ub40-star-ali-campbell-opens-15553485|title=What UB40 star Ali Campbell said about Mickey Virtue leaving the band|first=Graham|last=Young|date=21 December 2018|work=Birmingham Mail|access-date=16 October 2021|archive-date=7 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107044913/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/ub40-star-ali-campbell-opens-15553485|url-status=live}}</ref>

Astro died on 6 November 2021,<ref>{{cite news|last=Chalk|first=Natalie|date=6 November 2021|title=Founding member of UB40 Astro dies after short illness|url=https://inews.co.uk/news/founding-member-of-ub40-astro-dies-after-short-illness-1288341|access-date=7 November 2021|website=inews.co.uk|language=en|archive-date=6 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211106233914/https://inews.co.uk/news/founding-member-of-ub40-astro-dies-after-short-illness-1288341|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Harding|first=Laura|date=7 November 2021|title=UB40 founding member Astro dies after short illness|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/ub40-terence-wilson-astro-death-b964798.html|access-date=7 November 2021|website=Evening Standard|language=en|archive-date=10 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810002428/https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/ub40-terence-wilson-astro-death-b964798.html|url-status=live}}</ref> after recording tracks for the band's new album, ''Unprecedented''.<ref>{{Cite web|url = https://www.classicpopmag.com/2022/02/ub40-ali-astro-sufferer/|title = UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell & Astro drop new song Sufferer|date = 18 February 2022|access-date = 11 April 2022|archive-date = 20 February 2022|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220220045717/https://www.classicpopmag.com/2022/02/ub40-ali-astro-sufferer/|url-status = live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesoundcafe.com/post/ub40-featuring-ali-campbell-astro-unveil-new-track-sufferer-ahead-of-upcoming-album|title=UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell & Astro Unveil New Track 'Sufferer' Ahead of Upcoming Album|date=22 February 2022|access-date=11 April 2022|archive-date=22 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220222124435/https://www.thesoundcafe.com/post/ub40-featuring-ali-campbell-astro-unveil-new-track-sufferer-ahead-of-upcoming-album|url-status=live}}</ref> The first single from these sessions, "Sufferer", was released in February 2022, with the album due to be released by UMC on 17 June 2022. Ali Campbell's UB40 splinter group also featured the vocalist Matt Hoy until he quit in July 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://retropopmagazine.com/ub40-matt-hoy-quit-covid-vaccine-ali-campbell-astro/|title=UB40 vocalist Matt Hoy forced to quit band over Covid vaccine concerns|date=2 July 2021|access-date=11 April 2022|archive-date=17 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220517222734/https://retropopmagazine.com/ub40-matt-hoy-quit-covid-vaccine-ali-campbell-astro/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.breakitdownshow.com/episodes/matt-hoy-making-music-wub40-and-new-album-touch|title=Matt Hoy – Making Music w/UB40 and New Album Touch|access-date=11 April 2022|archive-date=20 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420203447/https://www.breakitdownshow.com/episodes/matt-hoy-making-music-wub40-and-new-album-touch|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following Astro's death, Ali Campbell rebranded his band to "UB40 featuring Ali Campbell". It continues to tour as of 2025, with Campbell maintaining that there was there was “absolutely no” chance of a reunion with the original UB40.<ref>[https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/news/ub40-ali-campbell-scarborough-astro-b2783787.html Ali Campbell says there’s ‘absolutely no’ chance of UB40 reunion – and reveals what made him quit band]. ''The Independent''. 7 July 2025. Retrieved 14 July 2025</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main|UB40 discography}}

{{div col}}
*''[[Signing Off]]'' (1980)
*''[[Present Arms (album)|Present Arms]]'' (1981)
*''[[UB44]]'' (1982)
*''[[Labour of Love]]'' (1983)
*''[[Geffery Morgan]]'' (1984)
*''[[Baggariddim]]'' (1985)
*''[[Rat in the Kitchen]]'' (1986)
*''[[UB40 (album)|UB40]]'' (1988)
*''[[Labour of Love II]]'' (1989)
*''[[Promises and Lies]]'' (1993)
*''[[Guns in the Ghetto]]'' (1997)
*''[[Labour of Love III]]'' (1998)
*''[[Cover Up (UB40 album)|Cover Up]]'' (2001)
*''[[Homegrown (UB40 Album)|Homegrown]]'' (2003)
*''[[Who You Fighting For?]]'' (2005)
*''[[TwentyFourSeven (UB40 album)|TwentyFourSeven]]'' (2008)
*''[[Labour of Love IV]]'' (2010)
*''[[Getting Over the Storm]]'' (2013)
*''[[For the Many]]'' (2019)
*''[[Bigga Baggariddim]]'' (2021)
*''UB45'' (2024)
{{div col end}}

==See also==
*[[List of best-selling music artists]]
*[[List of dub artists]]
*[[Gary Tyler]] – biographical subject of a song by UB40

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* [https://ub40.global UB40 official web site]
* [https://ub40.org UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey]
* [https://www.discogs.com/artist/21767-UB40 UB40 discography] at [[Discogs]]
* {{IMDb name|1627929}}

{{UB40}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Ub40}}
[[Category:1978 establishments in England]]
[[Category:A&M Records artists]]
[[Category:English reggae musical groups]]
[[Category:British dub musical groups]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1978]]
[[Category:Musical groups from Birmingham, West Midlands]]
[[Category:British political music groups]]
[[Category:Sibling musical groups]]
[[Category:Virgin Records artists]]