UB40 are a reggae pop sensation that have traveled the world and reached the ears of millions with their unique sound and record-breaking success. Formed in 1978, the British band has almost 40 year’s experience producing chart-toppers and performing at sell-out shows, racking up over 70 million record sales and numerous awards.
Formed in Birmingham, UK, guitarist Ali Campbell, drummer Jimmy Brown and bassist Earl Falconer began rehearsing reggae songs and developing their own style. As the band grew, and new members joined, it wasn’t long before UB40 were performing across the country but their first real success was with the release of their first single ‘Food for Thought’ which reached No 4. on the UK Singles Chart.
Since their early beginnings, UB40 have released a phenomenal 18 studio albums, 4 live albums, 14 compilations and 62 singles. Their productions have gone on to become some of the UK’s biggest hits that are still regular floor-fillers including 1983’s Red Red Wine, which reached No. 1 in several countries including the UK and US and reached platinum status in the UK; Can’t Help Falling in Love which reached Platinum in Germany, the UK and US and had multiple No. 1s and I Got You Babe amongst many others.
UB40’s achievements have seen the band be nominated for a Grammy in 2006, for their album Who You Fighting For, as well as two NME Awards and a Music Heritage Award by the Performing Rights Society.
For 29 years the line-up remained the same until 2008 when Mickey Virtue, Ali Campbell and Astro left. The trio joined forces in 2014 to form the new version of UB40 we see today.
As performers, UB40 have entertained crowds across the globe at numerous festivals and concerts. The band has headlined the Reggae Sunsplash festival in Jamaica, the Night of the Proms and they continue to impress their fans and music lovers on their ongoing tours.
