UB40

UB40 took a trip down memory lane

2011-10-10T04:42:00.000-07:00

BIRMINGHAM music legends UB40 took a trip down memory lane when a plaque is a pub where they played their first gig was at the sun.

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It was February 9, 1979, at the Hare & Hounds pub in Kings Heath reggae band is their live debut.

“It was a private gig, a friend’s birthday party, but it was our first in front of strangers,” recalled guitarist Robin Campbell. “I remember being paralysed with fear and thinking we would never get through it. Then I was massively relieved they loved us and it turned into a proper party.

“The gig was brilliant and we played our entire repertoire, which was about ten songs. We knew then that we were a band.”

UB40 have recorded only the first is a young northern musicians

2011-09-29T09:26:00.000-07:00

UB40 have recorded only the first is a young northern musicians.

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Robert Joice, 22, the band saxophonist Brian Travers of mining recruitment specialists as their EP ‘Rose Tinted Specs’ to complete the application touches

Robert and Brian's sax and horns on two tracks will be going on with UB40 once he has finished his tour of duty.

Brian's music has been appreciated by students of psychology, "Geordie blues" as described.

Robert’s dad Chris, 45, is a big fan of UB40, and after seeing dozens of their gigs became friends with Brian.

Brian said, “We got to know each other over the years”.

“He sent me a couple of Robert’s songs and asked me if I would play on it. It’s got that traditional blues sound that seems to come out of Newcastle, that kind of lovely North East blues you’ve got going on.”

Brian loves to support young musicians and adding new projects.

He said: “It’s really rewarding for me to get behind young musicians who are not necessarily lining up in the X-Factor queue.

“People often ask me ‘if UB40 hadn’t of made it what would you have done?’

“And the answer is I’d still be trying to make music.”

Robert, from Kenton, Newcastle, taught himself to play the guitar and has played with popular bands around the region.

He said: “From day one I was teaching myself to play, I’ve never had any music theory lessons. I think that’s sort of helped me with my writing.

“It gives me flexibility and freedom of thought.

“The title, Rose Tinted Spex, was the first song I wrote when I was 17, that will be on there.

“It’s great that Brian’s involved. He’s always got time for people, you can send him things and he gives you feedback. He really believes in what I’m trying to do.”

The EP will be released on October 26 on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify.

UB40 emphasis on online-occupied Kyrenia to cancel their performance tonight

2011-09-15T09:11:00.000-07:00

Oldies pop band UB40 emphasis on online-occupied Kyrenia to cancel their performance tonight against the protests and went ahead with the concert.

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The band performed at the 4000 seat amphitheatre.

The singer Jennifer Lopez's performance previous year against the North in response to pressure on a concert is canceled.

A statement posted on her website read, "Jennifer Lopez would never knowingly support any state, country, institution or regime that was associated with any form of human rights abuse".

UB40;s Ali Campbell confirmed to perform at Raggamuffin festival

2011-07-29T10:32:00.000-07:00

Ali Campbellis a frontman of the former band UB40, who will confirmed to perform at Raggamuffin festival in Rotorua on next year.

Campbell is the first act, who confirmed for the festival, further more acts will revealed on forthcoming week.

UB40 the very first Raggamuffin festival in 2008, Campbell said the headline and New Zealand is one of his favorite places to perform.

Campbell said in a statement, "Raggamuffin is one of the best reggae festivals in the world. It has an amazing vibe and I really enjoyed performing for the New Zealand fans."

UB40 frontman Ali Campbell revealed today by Birmingham band blew cash

2011-07-13T14:39:00.000-07:00

FORMER UB40 frontman Ali Campbell revealed today by Birmingham band blew cash on a lavish lifestyle and now receives royalties for his music.

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Mr Campbell revealed how he warned his fellow Birmingham band members have tried and bankruptcy in 2008 before the acrimonious split with the group was on their card, in an exclusive interview with the Mail.

He said, “This is the very reason why I left the band. This was my biggest fear when I was with them, that bankruptcy was going to happen and no one can say I didn’t warn them.”

The band sold 70 million albums and had over 50 hit singles.

Yet Mr Campbell admits that she no longer any group of songs for theRed Red Wine, which still enjoy plenty of radio play, including views of devastation as royalties, are received. He also admitted the band at the height of his fame blew a lot of cash.

“In the 1980s we were living in five-star hotels and we got through a lot of money,” he added, although he could still not understand how the group has ended up penniless.

He added, “I’m angry about what happened. I’d like to know how it came to this and why weren’t the other guys listening to me when I started to flag these money problems up.”

The remaining members of the band anymore about anything, including his brothers. He said, “They decided to back the management and not me, I’m still very bitter about it”.

Mr. Campbell said the new group Dep band, which includes former UB40 keyboardist Mickey Virtue has been touring with his new solo career.

He added, “I’m happy to be in control now. I’d never go back to UB40, to me that would be a step backwards.”

UB40 members could be declared bankrupt

2011-07-07T04:13:00.000-07:00

UB40 is a 1980s band who have FIVE original members could be declared bankrupt.

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Bnad's members are Robin Campbell, Brian Travers, Terence Wilson, Norman Hassan and James Brown face claims over royalty payments on hits including UB40's1983 No1 smash Red Red Wine.

Tax authorities are looking at Dep International loans, label, band is formed by.

Ex-frontman Ali Campbell, 52, left the band in 2008 saying: “I wanted to know where our money was going.”

UB40 perform at the Hage Geingob Stadium

2011-05-28T09:49:00.000-07:00

UB40 performed live concert for three-day event live in Windhoek at the Hage Geingob Stadium, in aid of the Hope Village Trust for the construction of a Hope Village in Rehoboth, Namibia.

LDR's Besio Fabiano reports that Canto 2KW MSR follow four locations in Windhoek band was used for light.

Fabiano adds, "The follow-spots provided superior performances in this extreme outdoor environment".

"LDR thanks dB Audio Namibia and Stage Audio Works - LDR agent for South Africa - for making what proved to be a very challenging three-day event a huge success."

UB40 as the Strawberry Festival bid Enniscorthy primary

2011-05-03T14:41:00.000-07:00

ENGLISH POP REGGAE BAND UB40 as the Strawberry Festival bid Enniscorthy primary focus is placed back on the map confirmed.

MSL festival the festival committee for the purpose of creating a national program led by local man Rob Murphy to concert music festival has been running the program.

UB40 legend Ali Campbell once again in Dubai

2011-04-07T15:45:00.000-07:00

UB40 legend Ali Campbell several rivers once again this month in Dubai will exceed the display.

Campbell will perform the British reggae outfit’s greatest hits at The Irish Village on Wednesday, April 27.

The 52 year old tunes with a 10 piece band singing like Red Red Wine, Can’t Help Falling in Love and I Got You Babe.

As part of UB40, lead singer Campbell over 70 million records sold worldwide and 30 years for the world visited.

UB40's last album, Love's Labour Party IV covers the band's fourth album, was released in 2009.

Campbell United Arab Emirates in November in an Irish village proper performance, past performance has been last year.

UB40 confirmed to perform for Egypt concert

2011-03-31T14:08:00.000-07:00

Music lovers an additional Egypt this spring is because of the Book flights, as UB40 lead singer Ali Campbell is ashamed of Sheikh Red Sea destination of a special Easter gig is announced.

The frontman full live band will reveal at Soho Square on April 23rd. Popular numbers that visitors to Egypt can expect include I Got You Babe, Can't Help Falling In Love and Red, Red Wine.

Ali Campbell has sold over 70 million albums worldwide and had 40 on the UK three years ago before going alone alone with UB40 killed.

This individual album enjoyed a positive reception, is Britain's album charts reaching the top 15.

This special performance of Egypt's tourism industry, which over the coming months to spread is predicted will promote, a travel expert has claimed.

Arthur Frommer, founder of the Frommer's Travel Guide book series, said: "Egypt will bounce back relatively quickly, helped by the fact that the popular Red Sea resorts remain largely unaffected."

UB40 frontman ALI Campbell revealed at Villa Marina

2011-03-14T15:24:00.000-07:00

UB40 frontman ALI Campbell will be revealed at the Villa Marina, Douglas at the end of this month.

Ali is a part of UB40 sold 70 million records worldwide, he left UB40 in 2008.

He will perform the greatest hits on this band such as Red Red Wine, Kingston Town and many more run on March 24.

Tickets are available at the Welcome Centre at the Sea Terminal, Douglas, price for the tickets are £32.50.

UB40 images

2011-03-07T13:16:00.000-08:00

The three concerts band UB40 a roaring success

2011-03-02T06:59:00.000-08:00

The three concerts featuring internationally acclaimed reggae band UB40 were a roaring success.

Shows that thousands of screaming fans Hage Geingob Stadium Thursday held in Windhoek on Saturday attended.

The award-winning UK based band is known for his sharp gigs and gigs three Windhoek was no exception. Life as they proved when the concert UB40 on their promise and delivered excellent shows that around midnight Rehoboth hope of orphans continues to raise funds for the village was dozens.

Local and South African artists with the support of a good time could not be good. Many of the best music program reflects Namibia killing described as.

The highlight of the nights were definitely the band’s anthemic ‘Red Red Wine’, and other smash hits namely: ‘I Got You Babe’, ‘Cherry Oh Baby’, ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’, ‘Here I Am (Come And Take Me)’, ‘Don’t Break My Heart’ and ‘Tell Me Is It True.’

Audience definition, under their red wine can happen, not only defeated but also flow with the group sang together.

Saturday's shows that the concert was better because it also - Namibia never seen a concert goers probably drew the largest group, and environment, however, only had electricity in the crowd was well behaved What, while security was visible.

Saturday UB40 show like Friday from his new album songs and they performed open heart out additional songs belted audience started screaming when: “We want more, we want more, we want more.”

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Brian Travers, a saxophonist, said, “I am happy to be in Namibia. I feel honoured to play music here,” said Brian Travers, a saxophonist.

He added, “We want to come and make music with the children, get them singing and teach them some choreography. We want to see if we can inspire them”.

Travers said the crowd especially incredible was Saturday. He especially Cheers and Fashion Bar on love nightlife. He said he brought her here for holidays and family get together will definitely like.

UB40 band performance before all of Europe that are working on new album over the summer for the festival and U.S. travel plans.

Tickets for the three concerts priced from N$150 to N$1 000 while an extra N$100 was charged for fans that bought tickets at the gate.

Countdown to UB40 concert begins

2011-02-21T09:53:00.000-08:00

On 23 February,UB40 band will arrive in Windhoek. The band will be touring in order to raise funds for Hope Village, situated close to Rehoboth.The band will perform three day concerts.

At the Hage Geingob Rugby Stadium in Olympia from 24 to 26 February concert will take place.

A variety of local as well as South African artists will also perform at the three day concert.

UB40 will play all three days i.eThursday, 24 February,Friday, 25 February, Saturday, 26 February respectively.

Ub40 Stars Face Bankruptcy

2011-02-16T08:58:00.000-08:00

British reggae band UB40 five original members are confronting bankruptcy, according to a U.K. report.

Liquidators are investigating Robin Campbell, Brian Travers, Terence Wilson, Norman Hassan and James Brown for their finances.

At Birmingham County Court in England on Monday (14Feb11),proceedings are due to commence reports Britain's News of the World.

The group, which took its name from the Unemployment Benefit form 40 in the 1980s, has been under scrutiny from tax officials over its record label, Dep International, which was established in 1980.

ALI CAMPBELL'S UB40 ANNOUNCE UK TOUR & TICKETS

2011-02-06T16:25:00.000-08:00

Ali Campbell, the UB40 band member has revealed dates from a UK tour in May.

Over 70 million albums and 40 UK hit singles including 'Red, Red Wine', 'I Got You Babe', 'Can't Help Falling In Love', 'Many Rivers To Cross' and many, many more has been sold by Ali Campbell.

Ali Campbell since leaving UB40 three years ago unleashed three hugely successful solo albums back to back - 'Running Free', 'Flying High' and most recently 'Great British Songs ' - returning to the Top Ten and Top Fifteen respectively in the UK album charts with each release.Ali Campbell ex-UB40 band frontman is now touring with band.

Just before this new tour Ali is set to release a new DVD entitled 'Live at the Royal Albert Hall'.Ali Campbell will also play at Plymouth's Volksfest on May 28th and Henley's 'Rewind – 80s Festival' on August 21st.

Ali Campbell's UB40 have announced the following UK shows:

5th May 2011, O2 Academy Oxford, Oxford
6th May 2011, Indigo2, Greenwich
8th May 2011, O2 Academy Liverpool, Liverpool
9th May 2011, O2 Academy Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne
26th May 2011, O2 Academy Sheffield, Sheffield
27th May 2011, O2 Academy Birmingham, Birmingham

Illness hits UB40 Nam show

2010-12-29T15:03:00.000-08:00

THE cancellation of the much awaited UB40 charity gig in Windhoek at the last minute yesterday has left fans heartbroken and children at the Hope Village more hopeless.

A painfully terse statement carried on UB40’s website yesterday said the Windhoek show would no longer go ahead on Saturday because one of the band members has been given ‘strict instructions by his doctor that he must have immediate and complete rest to enable him to be treated for a medical condition’.

“This is not a decision the band or their management has taken lightly and the decision was made as absolute last resort.

UB40 founding member Brian Travers said: “You only have to study the case for five minutes to know that Gary’s conviction is wrong

UB40's daughter Jimmy Brown launched halal beauty shop

2010-12-23T04:14:00.000-08:00

UB40's daughter Jimmy Brown has launched halal beauty shop in UK

Rose 20 years old launched a store which sells cosmetics and pig fat in Birmingham after she found out the component used in conventional products.

She says, "Obviously, there are a lot of Muslims who will be interested, but I think the products will work for anyone who is concerned about what they're putting on their bodies. The halal certification gives you peace of mind"

UB40 final countdown to ticket sales

2010-12-11T02:51:00.000-08:00

At the Independence Stadium in Olympia on 11 December 2011,world class music band UB40 music concert will be staging by Namibia.

All Namibians will going to be provide a brilliant performance and top music by UB40 along with local performers like Ludik, Penilane, Gal Level, Elemotho and the Upambians.

Tickets (starting at N$150) are still available at Maerua Mall, Wernhil, The Biltong Shop at Maerua Mall and Wernhil, Treasure Trove in Baines Centre, O’Portuga restaurant, Fresh ’n Wild, Madiba Spares in Khomasdal and Wika and Riverside Service Stations.

UB40 to appear live in capital - by Staff Reporter

2010-11-30T02:30:00.000-08:00

UB40 who is currently busy in official would tour,the internationally reggae band will end with a first live appearance in Namibia at the Independence Stadium in Olympia on December 11.

Local arstists Stefan Ludik, Elemotho, Penilane, the Upambians and Hope Village’s own Dream Makers will joined the international renowned band UB40.This promises to be the “party of the year” and a wonderful way to start off the festive season.

All the funds gain through this gig will be donated to Hope Village and a new Hope Village will be built in Rehoboth where there is a great need.

UB40 will be performing a mixture of their well known songs such as ‘Red, Red Wine’, ‘Cherie Oh Baby’ and ‘Kingston Town’, along with new singles from their latest album ‘Labour of Love’.

UB40 Lead Singer Says,"I will remember the reggae star Gregory"

2010-11-20T23:27:00.000-08:00

Reggae star Gregory Isaacs who died on Monday at the age of 59 at his London home following a long illness. Tributes have been paid to star Gregory Isaacs

Album "Night Nurse" was one of the biggest hit and the title track which was covered by Simply Red, he was very talented and blissful singer overall.

The former lead singer with UB40,Ali Campbell,was a big fan of his and told BBC Radio 5 live's Ian Payne how he influenced his music.

UB40 at Bridgewater Hall, Manchester

2010-11-11T23:39:00.000-08:00

THIRTY years after UB40’s Signing Off, their first album was regarded as one of their best albums ,the anniversary tour reached Manchester’s Bridgewater Hall.

UB40's had been attached with the music industry since last 30 years and they had a wider range of fans since Signing Off was released. They had come to see, hear and share a retelling of UB40’s success and enjoy it they did.

UB40's standing out whole show, encourage the performance of UB40's and they sound audience still fresh and enthusiastic as in 1980 when UB40’s distinctive reggae-dub sound was a rallying call against the Thatcher years.

The anniversary tours contains a first set of the whole Signing Off album from start to finish including the instrumental Signing Off, thought provoking Burden of Shame and I Think It’s Going To Rain Today. Predictable? Yes. Welcomed? Certainly - and with everyone on and off stage sharing the celebrations.

Perhaps it is that which makes UB40 concerts what they are. Musically the talent is unmistakable. The songs still have a political sharpness, cover tracks an exciting freshness. The sheer fun of the event is undeniable spreading from the stage across the venue.

Not many acts can pull that off but then last night’s audience would argue there is only one UB40 a group which helped define an era, still entertaining - and probably still influencing - 30-years after they took the UK music scene by storm. That debut album reached number two and stayed in the charts for 70 weeks.

Last night’s support act illustrated the fact. Manchester-based indie-ska favourites, Kids UK, are on record saying UB40 have always been a key influence in their music. It showed.

UB40’s second set featured some of the band’s best known hits, Red Red Wine, Cherry Oh Baby and of course Can’t Help Falling in Love taking on a near anthem status.

UB40 back for concert in Birmingham

2010-11-01T07:40:00.000-07:00

Brummie reggae legends UB40 returned to their home city for one of the first dates of their UK tour.

UB40 rocks the Symphony Hall on 26th October night ahead of 27th October gig in Wolverhampton. The special thing about there tour was the 30th anniversary of there first album Signing Off and as well as their most popular hits.

UB40 were formed in 1978 and have since gone on to sell 80 millions albums.

The group didn't lost there popularity despite the withdrawal of of former front man Ali Campbell because his Ali's brother Duncan stepped in and take the charge as vocalist in the band.

The Signing Off tour heads to Wolverhampton’s Civic Hall tonight, before heading across the UK and finishing in Southampton on November 19. See tomorrow’s Express & Star for a full review.

UB40 - Easy Snappin [NEW ALBUM 2010 LABOUR OF LOVE IV]

2010-05-19T01:59:00.000-07:00

Placebo and Moby to perform in Peru, date change for UB40 concert

2010-02-02T08:01:00.000-08:00

During its first visit to Peru, Placebo, the UK band founded in London in 1994, will perform in Lima on Apr. 20 at the Monumental in Stadium Esplanade, featuring its latest production “Battle for the Sun,” edited in 2009.

In addition, Moby, who reached stardom due to the good comments and sales generated by their album “Play”, will perform in Lima the following week, presenting his production "Wait for me" (2009) on Apr. 28, in a venue yet to be confirmed.

The UB40 concert, who had initually been scheduled for Jan. 28, has been postponed to Feb. 6, according to Scorpius Producciones, the organizers in Lima; the concert will take place at the Jockey Club del Perú. According to Scorpius Producciones, all the tickets bought for Jan. 28 will be valid for February, and if the customer can't attend on that date he will get a full refund.

The Rainbow Courtyard, Birmingham, UB40

2009-11-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

They have had number one singles across the globe and sold millions of albums. But this week, UB40 a band more used to playing to packed stadia, stepped out onto the stage of a much smaller venue, the 350-capacity Rainbow Courtyard.
The Raise the Roof gig at the closure threatened Digbeth concert venue was a bid raise funds to soundproof its roof.
"In effect, we are raising money for the church roof," said UB40 Saxophonist, Brian Travers. "Because this, for many young people is like a church. This is where they come to worship some of their idols," he added.
"They like to build up the tension," said one seasoned UB40 fan and he was proven right as the band walked on stage one-at-a-time before opening with the song Travers said was written about the high rate of unemployment in Birmingham, One in Ten.
The audience was a mix of die hards and their children. Fans, many of whom were seeing the band for the fourth or fifth time, said they had been looking forward to watching their heroes up close.
"I very first saw the band around 35 years ago when they were just starting out and tickets cost 50p," said 56 year old Margaret Delaney. "It was fantastic to see them back playing in such a small, intimate venue in their home town considering they normally play in stadia all over the world," she added.
Her 25 year old daughter, Lisa Delaney, on the other hand, was attending her first UB40 concert. "I grew up with this band on the radio and it is wonderful to get a chance to see them live," she said.
Louise McCarthy, a 52 year old interior designer, said she had been impressed by the band "in the flesh," but added: "What actually made the gig for me was the atmosphere."
Much of the pre gig talk among punters was on whether new singer Duncan Campbell could fill the shoes of his older brother Ali on lead vocals. Band members intimated after the show that they hoped he was not only able to "slot in and imitate Ali for the sake of the fans, but to add something to the role as well."
Most fans agreed after the band had left the stage that it was mission accomplished on that front. The pillar right in the centre of the stage which obscured Campbell from view throughout did not help his cause, but then, this was not the O2 Arena after all (I think that was the point).
All the same, artists including La Roux, The Prodigy and Joss Stone have graced the iconic Rainbow Courtyard stage in recent years. Reason enough, Travers said, to try to save the venue from closure after neighbours' complaints about the late-night noise.
"This is not about celebrity or even promoting UB40, this is about the bands who want to entertain people being able to carry on doing what they always have done," he said.
Contrary to when the band plays arena shows, a lot less "smoke and mirrors" were involved in this week"s gig, where the musicians got much closer to their audience than they normally would. "We could see the whites of their eyes and hear what they were saying between songs," band-members joked.
"They could also see us in detail, I would imagine we were a little older and a little fatter than they might have thought. There was no makeup artist here, this was just us doing what we do - entertaining people," said Travers.
The Rainbow and the adjoining music venue, The Rainbow Courtyard, have been live music stalwarts in Birmingham for years. It started out as one of many pubs in an industrial area which had live music on.
However, as other more central venues closed down one by one, it became more and important to the local music scene.
Now, like many others across the country, it is under threat from a Noise Abatement order. The Digbeth area of Birmingham was mot traditionally a residential one, but a recent influx of people looking for an inner city flat resulted in noise complaints.
Currently, Newcastle Quayside's The Cooperage was closed down after residents in newly built flats complained. The move saddened the band, who said that they had played there during the early days of their musical careers.
In the present though, and closing the show, Guitarist Robin Campbell urged the audience to sing along to the classic Red Red Wine, reminding them: "This is about raising the roof after all" (geddit)?

As UB40 look forward Time's a healer

2009-11-01T10:45:00.000-08:00

THE COSY world of multi million selling superstars UB40 was shattered last year with the departure of frontman Ali Campbell.More than a year on, the band are carrying on regardless and bring their radio friendly pop reggae sound to the Midlands in December as part of a UK tour.Mail reporter TIM FLETCHER spoke to long term member Astro about how the band are coping after a bitter split which left metaphorical blood on the carpet of their Birmingham HQ. Or was it just red, red wine?ALI Campbell’s acrimonious departure from UB40 and his replacement as frontman by his brother, Duncan, attracted intense media coverage but still passed some fans by, according to the band’s vocalist, trumpeter and MC, Astro.“We played one gig currently and a guy who’d been standing right in front of Duncan sent a note backstage saying ‘Ali, I thought you were brilliant’,” he says.“He couldn’t tell the difference, even though Duncan is 11 inches taller and about two stone lighter than Ali.“The reaction we’ve had has been nothing but positive and quite a few people have come up to tell us they couldn’t tell any difference. It could have all gone horribly wrong but the crowd have really embraced Duncan and he’s doing an admirable job.” Campbell’s departure, in January last year, brought about a painful schism in the band after 30 years of existence and also saw his fellow long-term member Michael Virtue quit.The version of events Campbell presented to the media prompted his erstwhile colleagues to issue a 1,300-word statement refuting everything from his claim that he was forced out of the band and that ‘bad administrative practices’ were to blame, to his suggestion that he had been responsible for writing all the band’s songs.One thing that particularly rankled was Campbell’s decision to notify his intention to quit the band via a solicitor, according to Astro.“That was the thing that actually stung,” he says. “You’d think that, after 30 years together, he would have been able to stand in front of us and go ‘this is how it is’ rather than getting solicitors involved.” Astro says Campbell, who has not spoken to his former band-mates — even his brothers Duncan and Robin — since the split, had been unhappy for some time before walking out.“It was obvious for a couple of years that he didn’t want to be on stage and even the public started asking why he always had a gloomy face and why he would never hang around to speak to fans,” he says.“It’s sad, but UB40 is like a family and with any family you have your problems and relationships break down. I’m sure time will ease the pain.” Astro says Campbell’s departure was largely down to his desire to pursue a solo career and the fact he had booked a solo tour at a time when he was supposed to be promoting UB40 album TwentyFourSeven.The release of that record brought the band more controversy after their decision to give it away free with copies of the Mail on Sunday brought about a backlash within the industry, with firms refusing to distribute the paid-for, ‘deluxe’ album version.“It’s something our record company suggested to us,” says Astro. “There’s no doubt that it’s a great way to get a large volume of units to the public in one fell swoop and we shifted three million of them, but it backfired on us with the retailers not wanting to have the deluxe version because it had already been released.” The band have returned to a more conventional model with the release of compilation album Love Songs earlier this year and forthcoming release Labour of Love IV, the latest in a series of covers albums inspired by the music the band grew up with in 1970s Brum.“When we started out the most frequently asked question we got was ‘You all come from Birmingham, so why did you choose to do reggae music’?” says Astro.“We thought the best way to explain was to do an album of all the reggae tunes we loved as kids.“When I was growing up you would never hear reggae music on the radio and the only way to hear it was by going to one of the house parties that West Indian families would have every weekend.“They’re all classic tunes which you would hear everywhere at the time. We thought that if we could expose these tunes to the general public, they would fall in love with them in the way we did.” The series would prove a winning formula, earning the band hit singles with covers of songs such as Red, Red Wine; inspired by Jamaican rock steady performer Tony Tribe’s version of a Neil Young tune.That track earned UB40 number ones on both side of the Atlantic, but their smooth, slicky-produced, radio friendly interpretations of classic songs have seen their music dubbed ‘reggae lite’ by the critics.“It’s each to their own really but we don’t ever try to tone things down; you just do what sounds best for the melody you’re playing,” says Astro. “Reggae is not about how much you can stuff in; it’s about how much you leave out; giving it space.“I think albums like TwentyFourSeven and (2005 release) Who You Fighting For are kicking and if you play them with an open mind, I defy you to call them ‘tame’, either lyrically or musically.”

UB40: UB40 sick of Red, Red Wine

2009-10-27T09:44:00.000-07:00

That made their fortunes IT IS the song, but chart veterans UB40 have revealed they are sick of Red, Red Wine.
The reggae act admit they are "bored to tears" of the track which became their first chart topper in 1983, and they can't stand rehearsing it.Guitarist Robin Campbell, about to kick off a UK tour with the band next month, said they cannot bring themselves to practise the song."Very often in rehearsals we'll just skip it," he said.However, he said the band continue to play it because they know the fans still love it.

UB40: After Ali 'business as usual'

2009-10-23T12:55:00.000-07:00

UB40 have revealed that not much has changed since Ali Campbell's departure.
The Birmingham born frontman and founding member left in January 2008 after 30 years with the group and was replaced by his brother Duncan.
"Since Ali's left, it's been business as usual," Astro said.
Robin Campbell explained: It hasn't changed that much, atually. Having Duncan, who's mine and Ali's brother, enables us to keep the vocal tone that we had all along. Eventaully he's not trying to be Ali but we still have that sound.
"Dunc's voice has been able to dovetail into the UB40 sound so that we maintain our identity without having to change too much," he added.
:: UB40 embark on a UK tour, which kicks off in Belfast on November 21, and will release their new album, Best Of Labour Of Love, on November 23.

Ratt Tour Dates Dec 2009

2009-09-27T09:16:00.000-07:00

Sunset Strip legends Ratt are set for a short UK visit this winter. As new signings to the Roadrunner imprint label, Loud & Proud, the band's new album is penciled for a 25th January 2010 release. The band will be playing the following shows this December to set up the new record. RATT Tour Dates Dec 2009 Tue 1st Dec - London Islington O2 Academy -

Thu 3rd Dec - Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall -

Fri 4th Dec - Prestatyn Hard Rock Hell III -

Ratt's brand of hook driven melodic rock helped shape the legendary LA metal scene. The band boasts a deep catalogue of hits including Round and Round, Lay It Down, You're In Love and Lack of Communication and have sold millions of albums worldwide. With 1984's mega platinum debut, Out of the Cellar celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, the guys are looking forward to starting a brand new chapter with brand new music to complement the impressive legacy they have established over the last two-plus decades. "This deal is a great opportunity for us to get our new music to RATT fans worldwide," says frontman Stephen Pearcy. "We are super excited about the new material!"

Komedia club showcase Soul singer's sensational

2009-09-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

Ruby Turner, one of the UK's finest soul singers, has the unearthly ability to breathe life and meaning into any song, whether it is a passionate gliding ballad or a soulful up-tempo groove.
Having currently released her long awaited double album Live at Ronnie Scott's (an album demanded by Ruby's massive fan base), Turner was born in Jamaica, and grew up in Montego Bay relocating to Birmingham when she was nine.
Her major break came when taken under the wings of Britain's own blues legend Alexis Korner, and in the mid 1980's she joined Culture Club at the height of their stardom. Since then, Ruby has released 13 solo albums, the first of which – Women Hold Up Half The Sky – featured the hits If You're Ready (Come Go With Me) and I'd Rather Go Blind and the American r 'n' b chart number one single It's Gonna Be Alright – one of less than ten British records to achieve this.
It was at this time that she also released her hit album The Motown Songbook on which she performed with some of the excellent stars of that era – The Four Tops, The Temptations, Jimmy Ruffin and more.
Ruby has also been invited to sing on releases by such musical icons as Brian Ferry, UB40, Stevie Winwood, Jools Holland and Mick Jagger's solo album.
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Being a very prolific songwriter, Ruby's songs have been covered by many artists from Lulu through to Yazz and Maxi Priest.
An compeleted actress as well as singer, Ruby has appeared on-stage in productions, of A Street Car Named Desire, Carmen Jones, Fame (all in the West End), on TV in BBC TV's Doctors, Little Britain, EastEnders and Holby City and on the big screen in Richard Curtis' Love Really.
Another of the wonderful milestones in Ruby's career came when she was asked to sing the National Anthem for the Queen, Tony Blair and other major dignitaries at the opening of the Millenium Dome on New Year's Eve 1999/2000.
Described as "truly the genuine article and blessed with a voice that has been likened to Aretha Franklin and Janis Joplin", Ruby continues to win the hearts and minds of an ever growing and diverse fan base.
Ruby Turner visits Bath's Komedia tonight at 8.30pm.
To check ticket availability visit www.komedia.co.uk/bath or call 0845 2938480.

Live DVD Little Feat

2009-09-16T03:26:00.000-07:00

PR) In 1977, Little Feat performed on German TV's favored musical playground Rockpalast. On September 22, Eagle Rock Entertainment, through its Eagle Vision subsidiary, will release this performance on DVD, when Skin It Back: Live In Germany hits stores. Filmed at the Grugahalle in Essen, this concert was shot just days before the recording of their renowned live album Waiting For Columbus. Featuring the band's classic line up, late vocalist/guitarist Lowell George leads the band vocalist/guitarist Paul Barrere, vocalist/keyboardist Bill Payne, percussionist Sam Clayton, bassist Kenny Gradney, and drummer Richard Hayward through the 11-song performance. The thirty minutes of never-before-seen alternate rehearsal versions of the songs include "Rock N Roll Doctor," which did not make the cut for the final show. Formed in 1969, Little Feat is a band without musical boundaries. They meld southern influences, blues and Dixie land boogie, with R&B, folk and rock into jam band perfection. Getting their start after George left Frank Zappa's Mothers of Invention, the band's blend of top-notch musicianship and earthy, organic groove made them musical staples. This is perfectly captured on the Skin It Back DVD.Eagle Rock also released Little Feat's High Wire Act: Live In St. Louis 2003 on DVD in November 2003, and is readying other great performances from the Rockpalast vaults, including concerts from Meat Loaf, Thin Lizzy, and UB40.

Track Listing:

1.) Skin It Back

2.) Fat Man In The Bathtub

3.) Oh, Atlanta

4.) Day At The Dog Races

5.) All That You Dream

6.) Old Folks' Boogie

7.) Dixie Chicken

8.) Tripe Face Boogie

9.) Feats Don't Fail Me Now

10.) Willin'

11.) Rocket In My Pocket

Bonus Tracks:

1.) Old Folks' Boogie

2.) Fat Man In The Bathtub

3.) Rock 'n' Roll Doctor

4.) Skin It Back / Fat Man In The Bathtub

5.) Oh, Atlanta

6.) Willin'

Birmingham karaoke competition win to thirteen year old

2009-08-28T04:19:00.000-07:00

TALENTED Birmingham singers stopped hundreds of shoppers in their tracks in a glitzy karaoke final at a city mall.
More than 40 competitor battled it out to be top of the pops in the One Voice competition at the One Stop shopping centre in Perry Barr.
In the pulsating grand final, 13-year old Laura Bowen from Kingstanding concave the top prize after impressing the judges with performances of Tattoo by Jordin Sparks and Hallelujah, which saw X-Factor’s Alexandra Burke shoot to stardom.
She will now get the chance to sing in a professional music studio, but first she must conclusive how to spend her £300 prize money.
Laura, who needs to combine a singing career with teaching, said: “It has just been actually nice to see so many people smiling when they were listening to me.
“My legs started shaking and in the past I’ve been actually nervous.
“This time I just relaxed and conclusive to enjoy myself.
“I’ll probably spend the money on a haircut for school and I’ll take all my friends out for a celebratory meal.”
The runner up was 27 year old blind singer Christopher Elliott, who performed I’ll Be There by the Jackson Five and Shine by Take That.
Anthony Granner, aged 20, complited third singing Dance with My Father by Luther Vandross and UB40’s Kingston Town.
One Stop middle manager Bashir Dalvi said the final was very exciting and that the standard of singing had been very high.
He said: “We have seen some great contestents of all ages singing music ranging from rock, pop, soul opera and country and it’s been excellent entertainment.
“The five finalists were all of a very high standard so it was hard to choose the winner.”

ub40 tour

2009-08-05T00:03:00.000-07:00

UB40 are a British reggae fusion (reggae/pop) band formed in 1978 in Birmingham, UK. The band has placed more than 50 singles on the UK charts, and has also achieved considerable international success. The band have sold over 70 million records.[1].

UB40 SUED

2009-07-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

British reggae group UB40 is into legal action from a promotion company over the profits from their 2008 U.S. tour. Lawyers representing the Spectacle Entertainment Group - the firm hired to manage the band's North American dates last year (08) - have filed papers in court in Los Angeles accusing the band of failing to pay more than $170,000 (£117,000) in fees.

UB40 made more than $1.7 million (£1.17 million) from touring last year (08), according to TMZ.com.

UB40 tribute band RU40 @ Mr Kyps

2009-04-12T21:29:00.000-07:00

The irrepressible UB40 continue to tour and sell-out arenas wherever they go. For nearly 30 years UB40 have been playing to packed arenas worldwide. From Reggae Sunsplash in Jamaica to gigs in Russia and South America, their global appeal is still huge. Don't miss these reggae masters in action. UB40 Tickets are available for their next tour in November and December 2009

Smooth Radio interview Robin

2009-03-15T23:55:00.000-07:00

Smooth Radio’s presenter Tammy Gooding interviewed Robin recently,

you can hear the interview here: moothradiowestmidlands
Source: ub40.co.uk

UB40 - Discography

2008-12-02T02:50:00.000-08:00

Who You Fighting For? 2006
Present The Fathers Of Reggae 2002
Labour Of Love III 1999
Guns In The Ghetto 1997
The Best of UB40: Volume One 1995
Promises And Lies 1993
Labour Of Love II 1989
UB40 1988
Rat In The Kitchen 1986
Baggariddim 1985
Little Baggariddim 1985
Geffery Morgan... 1984
Live 1983
Labour Of Love 1983
Signing Off 1981
Present Arms In Dub 1981
Present Arms 1981

Singles
Food For Thought 2005
Kingston Town 1995
C'est la Vie 1994

Compilations
This Is... 1980 2008
This Is... 1981 2008
This Is... 1983 2008
This Is... 1984 2008
Greatest Hits
2008 Love Songs #1's
2007 50 First Dates O.S.T.
2005 Everything 80's
2002 Party Time, Vol. 5
2001 The Very Best Of UB40
2000 Journeys
2000 Bringing Out The Dead

Leading Singer Ali Campbell left the band

2008-12-02T02:40:00.000-08:00

UB40 have confirmed lead Artist Ali Campbell is leaving the group after almost 30 years and 70 million record sales.Campbell, who sang on chart-toppers including ‘Red, Red Wine’, is said to be leaving to focus on solo projects.

The band have not confirmed yet who will replace him but Campbell will play his last shows with next month in Australia, New Zealand and Uganda

UB40 - Profile

2008-12-02T02:35:00.000-08:00

UB40, a British reggae band shaped in 1978 in Birmingham. Mark the same arrangement of 8 musicians from 1978-2008, the band placed more than 50 singles on the UK charts, and achieved considerable international success as well. Their #1 hits (which are all covers) include "Red Red Wine" (#1 US/UK/Canada/NZ/Holland), "Can't Help Falling in Love" (#1 US/UK/Australia/Sweden/Holland), and "I Got You Babe" (#1 UK/Holland).

UB40 Tickets Sellers

2008-12-02T02:25:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of UB40 ticket agents in the market who sells UB40 tickets but among them not all tickets touts are successfully delivered UB40 tickets to their customers. Only some tickets agents in the market who sell and 100% delivered UB40 tickets. The list of UB40 tickets agents are as follows:

TicketMaster.com
TheOnlineTicketShop.com
Getmein.com
SeeTickets
TheOnlineTicketExchange.com

UB40 Tickets For UK Tour Dates On Sale

2008-12-02T02:12:00.000-08:00

A 2009 UK tour by UB40 has been announced, with tickets on sale Thursday 6th November. The tour consists of concerts at the following towns and cities:

Fri, 5 Dec 08 (19:00) UB40 Tickets MEN Arena Manchester, United Kingdom
Sat, 6 Dec 08 (19:00) UB40 Tickets Echo Arena Liverpool, United Kingdom
Tue, 9 Dec 08 (19:00) UB40 Tickets Brighton Centre Brighton, United Kingdom
Fri, 12 Dec 08 (19:00) UB40 Tickets O2 Arena London, Greenwich Pennisula, United Kingdom
Thu, 18 Dec 08 (19:00) UB40 Tickets Cardiff International Arena ( CIA), United Kingdom
Sun, 21 Dec 08 (19:00) UB40 Tickets National Indoor Arena (NIA) Birmingham, Midlands, United Kingdom
Fri, 20 Nov 09 (19:00) UB40 Tickets O2 Dublin Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
Mon, 23 Nov 09 (19:00) UB40 Tickets SECC Scottish Exhibition Conference Center Glasgow, United Kingdom
Sat, 5 Dec 09 (19:00) UB40 Tickets MEN Arena Manchester, United Kingdom

The Best of UB40

2008-12-02T01:54:00.000-08:00

1. I Got You Babe Ub40 Featuring Chrissie Hynde
2. Here I Am (Come And Take Me) Ub40
3. Bring Me Your Cup Ub40
4. One In Ten Ub40
5. Red Red Wine Ub40
6. Kingston Town Ub40 3:50
7. If It Happens Again Ub40
8. Don't Break My Heart Ub40
9. Cherry Oh Baby Ub40 3:18
10. (I Can't Help) Falling In Love With You Ub40
11. Higher Ground Ub40
12. Tell Me Is It True Ub40
13. Rat In Mi Kitchen Ub40
14. Until My Dying Day Ub40
15. The Way You Do The Things You Do Ub40
16. Light My Fire Ub40
17. Food For Thought Ub40
18. Sing Our Own Song

UB40 Similar Artists

2008-12-02T01:32:00.000-08:00

Ranking Roger

The Untouchables

The Specials

Madness

General Public

Fine Young Cannibals

The English Beat

UB40 - Albums

2008-12-02T01:27:00.000-08:00

Baggariddim Album
Geffery Morgan Album
Guns In The Ghetto Album
Labour Of Love Album
Labour Of Love 2 Album
Labour Of Love 3 Album
Live Album
Present Arms Album
Present Arms In Dub Album
Promises & Lies Album
Rat In The Kitchen Album
Signing Off Album
Ub40 Album
Vol. 1-Best Of Ub40 Album
Vol. 2-Best Of Ub40 Album

UB40 - Influences

2008-12-01T09:31:00.000-08:00

UB40 were prejudiced by the other, they join as teenagers in the multiracial Balsall Heath area of Birmingham. Their love of ska and reggae inspired such original tracks as "King", "Madam Medusa", "Food for Thought", "Signing Off" and "One in Ten".
Their early musical style was exclusive, with a heavy influence of analogue synthesisers, psychedelic rock guitar, saxophone and dub producer techniques which were later perfected by the late Pablo Falconer.
Ali and Robin Campbell have a musical heritage, being sons of Ian Campbell, a folk musician.
Many of UB40's recordings were enthused by 1960s ska and early lovers rock.

UB40 - Successive Accomplishment

2008-12-01T09:24:00.000-08:00

UB40 is one of the most triumphant reggae acts of all moments in terms of record sales (over 70 million), chart positions and touring schedule. During their three-decade long career, they have been performing sell-out shows worldwide and headlining the Reggae Sunsplash music festival in Jamaica, as well as spreading reggae to Russia and South America, among others. They have played twice at the Night of the Proms, in 2000 and in 2006. In 2006 UB40 were also designated for a Grammy Award (Reggae category) for their album Who You Fighting For.

UB40's early music has often tackled social issues such as racism and unemployment.

Other artists that UB40 have work together with include: Pato Banton, Madness, Bitty McLean, Chrissie Hynde, Maxi Priest, Robert Palmer, Hunterz, Japanese artist Mikidozan, French artist Nuttea, Lady Saw, Afrika Bambaataa, 808 State.

UB40 - Band Members

2008-12-01T09:22:00.000-08:00

The ethnic makeup of the band is diverse, with musicians of English, Scottish, Irish, Yemeni and Jamaican parentage. From the band's 1978 inception through early 2008, UB40's line-up was constant:

Astro live in Wellington, New Zealand in 2004
• James (Jimmy) Brown - born 20 November 1957, Birmingham - drums
• Ali Campbell - born Alistair Campbell, 15 February 1959, Birmingham - guitar, lead vocals (left 2008)
• Robin Campbell - born 25 December 1954, Birmingham - lead guitar, vocals
• Earl Falconer - born 23 January 1957, Birmingham - bass guitar, vocals
• Norman Hassan (Arabic: نورمان حسن‎) - born 26 January 1958, Birmingham - percussion, trombone, vocals
• Brian Travers - born 7 February 1959, Birmingham - saxophone
• Mickey Virtue - born Michael Virtue, 19 January 1957, Birmingham - keyboards (left 2008)
• Astro - born Terence Wilson, 24 June 1957, Birmingham - toasting vocals, percussion, trumpet
In 2008 Ali Campbell left the band, followed shortly thereafter by Mickey Virtue. Two new members joined the group:
• Duncan Campbell - vocals
• Tony Mullings - keyboards
Guest members include(d):
• Patrick Tenyue (trumpet) (1983–94)
• Henry Tenyue (trombone) (1983–94)
• Martin Meredith (saxophone) (1997— )
• Laurence Parry (trumpet, flugelhorn, trombone) (1995— )
• Maxi Priest - vocals (2008- )

UB40 - Gallery

2008-12-01T09:17:00.000-08:00

UB40 - Introduction

2008-12-01T09:09:00.000-08:00

More than any other singers of their moment, Britain's UB40 have verified on the power of pop-influenced reggae music. With worldwide sales topping 30 million albums during their career, the UB40 story reveals just how far people can go by staying true to their roots. UB40 raised up in the heart of Birmingham, one of England's most culturally diverse cities. The summer of 1978 saw the eight band members drawn together by their love of the skanking Jamaican reggae vibes. Taking their name from a notorious British unemployment form, the multi-racial group of young men proceeded to spend the next six months in a basement, collaborating on ideas and learning their instruments. By early 1979 they had played their first local gig. Through the rest of the year UB40 performed at pubs, clubs, and benefits all around the UK. Labour Of Love II, released in November of 1989. The album notched platinum-plus U.S. sales, seed a pair of Top 10 pop hits -- "The Way You Do The Things You Do" and "Here I Am (Come And Take Me)." 1993's platinum-plus smash "Promises And Lies" spawned the mammoth hit "Can't Help Falling In Love," which reigned at #1 on the U.S. pop chart for seven consecutive weeks. The following tour conclude in a series of shows in South Africa (their first), with the band dedicating their anti-apartheid anthem "Sing Our Own Song" to President Nelson Mandela, marking a poignant end to UB40's 15 month tour.