“I’m a reggae anorak,” says Ali Campbell, vocalist and founder of UB40.
“My whole life, I lived and grew around reggae music. I was devoted to it. I was a bit of a nutter, actually.”
It’s an obsession that’s paid off: UB40 have sold 70 million albums and scored three number one singles over the last four decades.
Campbell’s love of reggae also inspired the Labour of Love cover albums, which introduced classics like Red, Red Wine and Kingston Town to a new audience.
The band have had a turbulent couple of years, which culminated in the eight members splitting into two factions.
Ali’s brother Duncan now fronts the band known simply as UB40; while the singer himself performs as UB40 Featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey – alongside keyboard player Mickey Virtue and the toaster/percussionist Astro, aka Terence Wilson.
The trio’s latest album, A Real Labour of Love, entered the charts at number two in March and is among the top 40 best-selling albums of the year.
“That’s hilarious – or I find it funny, at least,” laughs the singer.
As the band prepare to play the Coventry leg of BBC Music’s Biggest Weekend this Sunday, Campbell reflected on 40 years of success.
