UB40 is a British reggae and pop band formed in Birmingham in 1978. The group is known for its distinctive blend of reggae, ska, and pop influences, gaining international success with a series of chart-topping hits. The band's name comes from the UK government's Unemployment Benefit form 40, reflecting the members' working-class backgrounds and the economic struggles they faced before finding success in music.
UB40 was originally formed by a diverse group of musicians, including Ali Campbell (lead vocals), Robin Campbell (guitar, vocals), Brian Travers (saxophone), Earl Falconer (bass), Jimmy Brown (drums), Norman Hassan (percussion), Mickey Virtue (keyboards), and Astro (toasting, percussion). The band embraced reggae as their primary sound, influenced by Jamaican music and political themes, which resonated with audiences worldwide.
Their breakthrough came with their debut album Signing Off (1980), which was well-received and established their reputation in the UK. The album's socially conscious lyrics and reggae rhythms set the tone for their future work. UB40 achieved massive global success with hits such as "Red Red Wine," a cover of Neil Diamond’s song that became a number-one hit in several countries, and "Can’t Help Falling in Love," which topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the US.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, UB40 released a series of successful albums, including Labour of Love (1983), which featured cover versions of classic reggae songs. This approach helped introduce reggae music to a wider audience. The band continued to tour extensively, earning a reputation as one of the most successful reggae acts of all time.
Despite lineup changes and legal disputes most notably Ali Campbell’s departure in 2008 and later Astro's departure in 2013 UB40 continued to perform and release music. Ali Campbell later formed a separate group, UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell and Astro, while the original band, led by Robin Campbell, continued under the UB40 name.
UB40 has sold over 70 million records worldwide, cementing their status as one of the most influential reggae bands outside of Jamaica. Their music, known for its smooth, melodic reggae sound and socially conscious lyrics, continues to resonate with fans globally.
