KEEPING IT REAL
DAVID BURKE
Four decades after UB40 helped propel reggae into the mainstream, two incarnations of the Birmingham band now lay claim to the name. While UB40 are planning a 40th anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall in the summer, UB40 Featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey, pay further homage to the sound that originated in Jamaica with a new album called A Real Labour Of Love.
“Our 40th is not until 2020,” says Astro, the rapper, toaster, trumpeter and integral part of UB40 Featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey. “Our first release was in 1980 and the band was only getting together in 1979. That’s why I do laugh at UB40 [featuring Robin and Duncan Campbell] having their 40th birthday bash at the Royal Albert Hall this year. The whole band wasn’t there in 1978. They’ve jumped the gun because they know we’re going to be doing something for the proper 40th and we’ve also been gaining traction with this new record. I just think it’s stupid having an anniversary two years before the band even became recording artists.”
Perhaps this situation is all a little puzzling for fans of the beloved outfit who, with the exception of Bob Marley, have arguably done more to put reggae on the global map than any other group.
A Real Labour Of Love sees UB40 Featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey explore the songs that defined reggae in the 80s
”I FEEL SORRY FOR THE FANS, WHO JUST WANT THE BAND TO GET BACK TOGETHER. I CAN’T SEE THAT HAPPENING…” ASTRO
During more peaceful times, UB40 topped the UK singles chart on three occasions, sold 70 million records, and took their passion for reggae to all corners of the globe
© Getty Images
The striking artwork for UB40 Featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey’s A Real Labour Of Love was created by celebrated US contemporary artist Mark T Smith
Taking their name from the Unemployment Benefit 40 form, the catalyst for the band was frontman Ali Campbell. However, after selling more than 70 million albums and clocking up some 50 UK Top 75 singles, Ali quit 10 years ago.
“I had problems with the management and didn’t trust them anymore,” is how Ali explains his departure to Classic Pop. “Decisions were being made that I didn’t have anything to do with and I thought the rest of the band would agree with me…Especially as we’d been together for so long. But unfortunately it didn’t work out that way. I had been complaining for a while and, after four years of it, I said: ‘Fuck this, I’ve had enough’. I just couldn’t stay.”