Showing posts with label Maxi Priest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Maxi Priest. Show all posts

Monday, 1 December 2008

UB40 - Successive Accomplishment

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

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- )