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1978 – UB40 formed
UB40 formed in 1978 in Birmingham, made up of friends Ali Campbell, Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer, Yomi Babayemi, Norman Hassan, Brain Travers, Jimmy Lynn and Robin Campbell.
The line-up changed in 1979 with Yomi Babayemi and Jimmy Lynn leaving and Mickey Virtue and Astro joining the band.
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1980 – UB40 release their debut single
The band released their debut single ‘King b/w Food For Thought’ which made it to Number 5 in the UK Charts. They were also invited to tour with The Pretenders when Chrissie Hynde saw them performing at a pub in the spring of 1980.
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1980 – UB40 release their debut album
UB40 released their first album ‘Signing Off’ in 1980. It went to Number 2 in the UK Charts, and stayed in the Charts for 71 weeks. At the time of recording, the band couldn’t afford a studio so the album was recorded in a bedsit with some of the band playing in the kitchen and others in the back garden.
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1980 – UB40 formed their own record company
1980 also saw UB40 end their previous recording contract and form their own record company, with the shares split equally between all eight band members. The record company was called DEP International.
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1983 – UB40 release ‘Labour of Love’
In 1983, UB40 released their fourth album ‘Labour of Love’, it was a covers project and included their reggae version of ‘Red Red Wine’ which was originally sang by Neil Diamond. The song went to Number 1 in the UK Singles Chart and Neil Diamond says he’s a fan of this version.
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1988 – UB40 go on world tours
Following several successful album releases and international recognition, UB40 was consistently touring across the world in the late 80s. After they finished touring, the band took a break, and during this time several band members worked on solo projects.
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1988 – UB40 perform at Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert
UB40 performed with The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert held at Wembley Stadium in 1988.
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2008 – Ali Campbell leaves UB40
Ali Campbell chose to leave UB40 in 2008 and started his solo career. He had already released his debut solo album ‘Big Love’ during the band’s hiatus, and his brother Duncan replaced him in the band.
Keyboardist Micky Virtue also left the group shortly after.
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2011 – UB40 are honoured with PRS for Music Heritage Award
In 2011, UB40 were honoured with a PRS for Music Heritage Award for their contribution to music. A plaque commemorating the award was added at the Hare & Hounds pub in Birmingham, the site of UB40’s first gig on 9th February 1979.
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2014 – UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue form
In 2013, Astro left the band as he had concerns over the direction the band was heading in. He joined up with former UB40 members Micky Virtue and Ali Campbell to create UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue.
Both bands continued making music and performing under their respective names.
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2021 – Brian Travers dies
Saxophonist and founding member of UB40 Brain Travers sadly passed away on 22nd August 2021 following a three-year battle with cancer.
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2021 – Astro dies
Terence Wilson, better known as Astro, sadly passed away on 6th November 2021 at the age of 64 after a short illness.
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2022 – Ali Campbell goes on tour
Ali Campbell and Astro were due to perform across in the UK in 2021, but the shows were postponed due to Covid-19. Following Astro’s death, fans were uncertain whether the rescheduled shows would go ahead. Ali confirmed that he would go ahead with the shows in honour of his bandmate. Ali is on tour under the name UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, with several festival shows planned for the UK in 2022.
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2022 – UB40 celebrate 45th anniversary with album and tour
To celebrate their 45th anniversary, UB40 announced their new album ‘UB45’ which is due for release in early 2023 as well as a tour across the UK and Ireland.
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2022 – UB40 perform at the Commonwealth Games
As well as creating the official anthem of the Commonwealth Games ‘Champion’, UB40 also performed at the Closing Ceremony on 8th August. Appearing at Alexander Stadium in their hometown, the group played their hit song ‘Red Red Wine’.
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UB40 in 1983 © Getty
2023 – UB40 honoured on the Music Walk of Fame
UB40 were honoured on the Music Walk of Fame in 2023. They will receive a stone to mark the occasion in Camden, London.