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Ali Campbell
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Key Information
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Alistair Ian Campbell (born 15 February 1959) is an English singer and songwriter who was lead singer and co-founder of the British reggae band UB40.
UB40 sold more than 70 million records worldwide and toured for 30 years with the original line-up of the band. In 2008 Campbell and keyboard-player Mickey Virtue left UB40 due to a dispute with band management and teamed up in a new band. In August 2014, Campbell announced he had reunited with former UB40 bandmate Astro, who also left due to management disputes and the musical direction of the band. Campbell then formed a new UB40 featuring the three bandmates.
Early life
[edit]Alistair Ian Campbell was born in Birmingham, England. He is the brother of former bandmate Robin Campbell and former UB40 frontman Duncan Campbell, and is a son of the late Scottish folk singer Ian Campbell.[1]
Career
[edit]In the UK, his solo albums Big Love and Running Free both reached the UK Top 10, while Flying High and Great British Songs reached the Top 20.[citation needed] Campbell scored a number 1 hit in 1994 as featured artist, along with brother Robin, on Pato Banton's cover of The Equals' "Baby Come Back".[citation needed]
In October 2007, Campbell released a solo album titled Running Free. It entered the UK Albums Chart at number 9 and went gold. This was the first top ten entry for Campbell for a new studio album since UB40s Labour of Love 3 album, which was released 10 years prior.
On 24 January 2008, it was reported that Campbell was to quit the group after almost 30 years.[2] Campbell, who was a founding member of UB40, songwriter and lead vocalist, finally quit the band in 2008. Their last gigs together were in February 2008 in Australia, New Zealand and Uganda.[2]
Campbell then issued a statement on his website and through his solicitors stating that for many years he had been unhappy with the business practices and business managers of UB40 and launched an investigation into the financial handling of the business. This was the reason for his departure.
A few months later, keyboard player Michael Virtue also left UB40, citing the same reasons as Campbell, and joined Campbell's legal investigation. Virtue subsequently joined Campbell's new band, the Dep band.
On 18 October 2010 Ali released his fourth solo album Great British Songs—a collection of British pop and rock hits from the 1960s and 1970s. The album reached 15 on the UK Albums Chart where it remained for three weeks. It also gave Campbell his third top 15 charting album in as many years.[3] Critic David Jefferies of AllMusic said of the album, "Longtime fans will appreciate that Campbell's voice is as strong as ever, but it deserves a better showcase than this mixed bag".[4] Campbell's label Jacaranda Music was number one on the UK independent chart in October 2010 and Great British Songs also entered the iTunes reggae album chart at number one.[5]
In 2012, Campbell was announced as one of the three judges on the judging panel of the TV show New Zealand's Got Talent, along with Jason Kerrison and Rachel Hunter. In 2013, Campbell was replaced for the third series by American choreographer Cris Judd.[6]
In August 2014, Campbell announced that he had reunited with former UB40 bandmates Astro and Mickey Virtue to record a new album, Silhouette.[7] He said of his brother Duncan's singing, "I sat back for five years and watched my brother Duncan murdering my songs. We're saving the legacy".[8] They initially toured under the name 'UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey', leading to legal action brought by the other UB40.[9][10] Their first release was The Hits of UB40 Live in 2015. In 2016, their Unplugged album reached number 17 on the UK Albums Chart.[11] A Real Labour of Love was released in March 2018, an album much in the vein of UB40's Labour of Love series.[12] It reached number two on the UK Albums Chart, and entered the Billboard Reggae Albums chart at number one.[11][13] Virtue departed the band in late 2018, following which the band has operated under the name 'UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro'.[14] In July 2021, vocalist Matt Hoy quit the band[clarify],[15][16] while on 6 November 2021, the group's social media announced that Astro had died after a short illness.[17] In 2022, the first single from the band's final album with Astro, "Sufferer" was released. On 17 June 2022, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro released the album Unprecedented via UMC, with Campbell fulfilling his UB40 tour dates in the run-up to the album's release, with the tour now billed as being 'in memory of Astro'.[18][19]
Awards and nominations
[edit]UB40 received an Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement in 2003. At the 2007 Grammy Awards, UB40 were nominated for best reggae album of 2006. Mauritius Government award to Ali Campbell for his services to Music and Charity – December 2010.[20]
Personal life
[edit]Campbell is the father of eight children, including two with his current wife, Julie.[1]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Certifications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [citation needed] |
SCO | |||
| Big Love |
|
6 | - | |
| Running Free |
|
9 | - | |
| Flying High |
|
13 | - | |
| Great British Songs |
|
15 | - | |
| Silhouette (as Ali Campbell - The Legendary Voice Of UB40 - Reunited With Astro & Mickey)[21] |
|
18 | - | |
| Unprecedented (as UB40 featuring Ali and Astro) [22] |
|
8 | - | |
Compilation albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Certifications | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [citation needed] |
SCO | |||
| The Hits of UB40 Live (as UB40 featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey) |
|
- | - | |
| Unplugged + Greatest Hits[23][24] (as UB40 featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey) |
|
17 | - | |
| A Real Labour of Love (as UB40 featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey) |
|
2 | - | |
Singles
[edit]| Year | Title | Chart peak positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [25][26] |
AUS |
NZ [27] | |||
| 1995 | "That Look in Your Eye" (with Pamela Starks) | 5 | 80 | 2 | Big Love |
| "Let Your Yeah Be Yeah" | 25 | — | 15 | ||
| "Somethin' Stupid" (with Kibibi Campbell) | 30 | — | 13 | ||
| 2007 | "Hold Me Tight" | — | — | — | Running Free |
| "Would I Lie to You" (with Bitty McLean) | — | — | — | ||
| 2008 | "Running Free" (with Beverley Knight) | — | — | — | |
| 2009 | "Out from Under" | — | — | — | |
| 2010 | "Carrie Anne" | — | — | — | |
Filmography
[edit]Live Concert Stream
- In Memory Of Astro (2022) - On 27 May 2022, streaming service On Air released the In Memory of Astro live concert stream. Recorded at Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam, the career-spanning show was performed in memory of Ali Campbell’s dearly departed friend and bandmate Astro.
References
[edit]- ^ a b "Ali Campbell – Marriage – Love – Celebrity – Editor's picks". New Zealand Woman's Weekly. New Zealand. Archived from the original on 31 October 2014. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
- ^ a b "UB40 singer Campbell quits group". BBC News. 24 January 2008. Retrieved 23 April 2010.
- ^ "Ali Campbell". Officialcharts.com. Retrieved 9 July 2022.
- ^ "Ali Campbell Great British songs". AllMusic. Retrieved 16 April 2014.
- ^ "Ali Campbell interview by Pete Lewis, Blues & Soul October 2010". Bluesandsoul.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
- ^ "The judging panel of New Zealand's Got Talent announced, TVNZ production". TVNZ Ondemand. Retrieved 22 September 2014.
- ^ "Ali Campbell – The Legendary Voice Of UB40 Reunited with Astro & Mickey release new album "Silhouette" ahead of Australian tour in December". Cooking Vinyl. Archived from the original on 10 September 2016. Retrieved 25 September 2014.
- ^ "Rival band remains true to its roots in reggae". Yorkshire Post. 7 March 2014. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
- ^ "UB40 and Ali Campbell's band will settle naming rights in court". Birminghammail.co.uk. 21 March 2016.
- ^ "Ali Campbell sued by own brothers as UB40 legal case reaches High Court". Birminghammail.co.uk. 15 March 2016.
- ^ a b "UB40 FT ALI/ASTRO/MICKEY", Official Charts Company. Retrieved 18 March 2018
- ^ Campbell, Howard (2018) "Ali Campbell, friends put twist on classics", Jamaica Observer, 22 January 2018. Retrieved 27 January 2018
- ^ Jackson, Kevin (2018) "UB40 spin-off tops reggae chart", Jamaica Observer, 13 March 2018. Retrieved 18 March 2018
- ^ Young, Graham (21 December 2018). "What UB40 star Ali Campbell said about Mickey Virtue leaving the band". Birminghammail.co.uk.
- ^ "UB40 vocalist Matt Hoy forced to quit band over Covid vaccine concerns". Retropopmagazine.com. 2 July 2021.
- ^ "Matt Hoy – Making Music w/UB40 and New Album Touch". Breakitdownshow.com.
- ^ Lee, Dulcie (6 November 2021). "UB40 founding member Astro dies after short illness". BBC. Retrieved 6 November 2021.
- ^ "UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell & Astro drop new song Sufferer". Classicpopmag.com. 18 February 2022.
- ^ "UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell & Astro Unveil New Track 'Sufferer' Ahead of Upcoming Album". Thesoundcafe.com. 22 February 2022.
- ^ "UB40aa‚¬a„¢s Ali Campbell comes to Romania for charity concert". Business Review. 1 June 2011. Retrieved 12 January 2026.
- ^ "ALI CAMPBELL | full Official Chart History". Official Charts.
- ^ "UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell & Astro Announce New Album 'Unprecedented'". Udiscovermusic.com. 18 February 2022.
- ^ "UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue Go Acoustic". Udiscovermusic.com. 19 October 2016.
- ^ "Exclusive: Ali Campbell Talks to uDiscover". 20 December 2016.
- ^ "UB40 Official UK charts". Officialcharts.com. Archived from the original on 15 July 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
- ^ "The Official Charts Company: Siobhán Donaghy". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 16 September 2009.
- ^ "Search the Charts by artist, title etc". Official Aotearoa Music Charts. Retrieved 6 October 2025.
Further reading
[edit]- Ali Campbell interview by Pete Lewis, 'Blues & Soul' July 2010 Archived 11 November 2021 at the Wayback Machine
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| People | |
| Other | |
Ali Campbell
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Biography
Early life
Alistair Ian Campbell was born on 15 February 1959 in Birmingham, England, to Scottish folk singer Ian Campbell and his wife. His father, a prominent figure in the British folk scene, led the Ian Campbell Folk Group, which achieved success in the 1960s with hits like "The Times They Are a-Changin'" and performed extensively across the UK and internationally. Growing up in this environment, Campbell was surrounded by music from an early age, as his father's career often brought performers and instruments into the home.[12][2][13] Campbell shared a close-knit family dynamic with his three older brothers—Duncan, Robin, and David—amid the working-class neighborhoods of Birmingham. His father's transition from an engraving job to full-time music provided a model of pursuing artistic passions, though it also meant financial instability at times. The brothers were influenced by their father's commitment to folk traditions, including socialist-leaning songs that reflected his political views, which Campbell later recalled as a constant presence in family discussions. Robin and Duncan would eventually join him in music, forming the core of what became UB40.[14][13] During his childhood in Birmingham's multicultural Handsworth district, populated by immigrants from the Caribbean, Asia, and beyond, Campbell developed a deep affinity for reggae and ska alongside his family's folk roots. The sounds of Jamaican records playing in local communities contrasted with his father's acoustic sessions, broadening his musical palette and inspiring him to pick up the guitar as a teenager. This blend of influences—folk storytelling from home and rhythmic, socially conscious reggae from the streets—laid the foundation for his vocal style and interest in band performance.[15][16]Personal life
Campbell was previously married to Bernadette Virtue from 1989 until their divorce, with whom he has four children: Ali Jr. (born 1981), Max (born 1983), Kibibi (born 1988), and Indica (born 1993).[17] He has two additional children from earlier relationships, bringing his total from prior partnerships to six.[1] In 2006, Campbell married Juliet Grace Worth, with whom he has two children, including son Jack.[2][18] The couple resides in Highcliffe, Dorset, England, where Campbell has lived since approximately 2007.[19] Campbell experienced significant stress and exhaustion in the lead-up to his 2008 departure from UB40, exacerbated by ongoing management disputes that contributed to his decision to leave the band.[20] In 2019, he faced health challenges including nerve damage in his neck, which forced the cancellation of a concert due to severe pain.[21] In 2024, Campbell experienced further health issues, described as a mystery illness, leading to multiple concert cancellations.[22][23] As of November 2025, he continues to tour internationally.[24] Through UB40, Campbell actively supported anti-apartheid causes in South Africa during the 1980s and 1990s, using the band's platform to raise awareness and contribute to the global movement against the regime.[25] On a personal level, he recorded the official anthem for the Goal 4 Africa campaign in 2008, a Nelson Mandela-linked charity initiative aimed at funding education for children in Africa.[5]Musical career
With UB40
During Ali Campbell's time as lead vocalist of UB40 from 1978 to 2008, the band garnered significant recognition for their reggae-pop fusion, including multiple nominations for major awards and commercial certifications that underscored their global impact. The group was nominated for the Brit Award for Best British Group in 1984, highlighting their rising prominence in the UK music scene following hits like "Red Red Wine."[26] UB40 received four Grammy nominations in the Best Reggae Recording or Best Reggae Album category, all during Campbell's tenure. These included nominations for "Breakfast in Bed" at the 31st Annual Grammy Awards in 1989, Labour of Love at the 32nd Annual Grammy Awards in 1990, Promises and Lies at the 36th Annual Grammy Awards in 1994, and Who You Fighting For? at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in 2007.[27][28] In 2003, UB40 was awarded the Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors, recognizing their songwriting contributions to international hits such as "Red Red Wine" and overall career success.[6] UB40's commercial achievements were marked by several sales certifications. For example, Labour of Love II (1989) was certified Platinum by the RIAA in the US for sales exceeding one million copies in 1991, while in the UK, it achieved Platinum status from the BPI. The original Labour of Love album (1983) was certified 2× Platinum in the UK by the BPI. These certifications illustrate the band's enduring popularity, with over 70 million records sold worldwide during this era.[29]Solo career and reunions
In 2008, Ali Campbell departed from UB40 after 29 years, citing intolerable management difficulties that had persisted for nearly five years, including financial disputes with the band's business managers.[30][31][32] The band contested this narrative, asserting that Campbell chose to prioritize his solo pursuits over group commitments.[33] Following his exit, Campbell continued his independent musical path, releasing the album Flying High in June 2009 through Jacaranda Records, which included collaborations with artists such as Shaggy on the cover of "She's a Lady" and Gentleman on "Nothing Ever Changes."[34][35] The album peaked at number 13 on the UK Albums Chart, blending reggae influences with pop elements.[36] Campbell's solo output continued with Great British Songs in October 2010, a covers collection of classic British pop and rock tracks from the 1960s and 1970s, also issued by Jacaranda, which reached number 15 in the UK. In 2013, he recruited former UB40 colleague Mickey Virtue, who had left the band in 2008 amid parallel disputes, and later Astro, who departed the original band in 2013.[33] This group, billed as UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro & Mickey, debuted with the album Silhouette in October 2014 on Cooking Vinyl, featuring original material and reggae-infused covers that entered the UK Albums Chart at number 22.[37] The trio undertook extensive international tours, performing UB40 classics alongside new tracks, solidifying their presence as a splinter act evoking the band's early sound.[38][39] The lineup faced a profound change with Astro's death on November 6, 2021, at age 64, following a short illness, which Campbell described as a devastating loss that reshaped the group's dynamic.[40][41] The ensemble persisted as UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, releasing further material and maintaining tours, though Astro's absence notably altered their vocal and performance style.[42] This evolution occurred against a backdrop of persistent legal and branding conflicts with the remaining original UB40 members, who accused Campbell's group of misleading fans through its naming and promotion, leading to ongoing disputes over intellectual property and band identity.[33][11]Recent activities
From 2022 to 2024, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell undertook extensive tours across Europe and the UK, reviving classic hits such as "Red Red Wine" and "Kingston Town" to enthusiastic crowds in major venues.[43][44] The 2024 Hits Tour, for instance, spanned UK arenas starting April 6 at Liverpool's M&S Bank Arena, followed by stops in London at The O2 on April 11 and other cities, focusing on the band's reggae legacy through high-energy performances of their signature catalog.[45][46] In 2025, the group continued touring with legs in the US and Hawaii, including a February concert in Honolulu and an April show at Muckleshoot Casino Resort in Washington, where Campbell highlighted fan appreciation for their enduring reggae sound.[47][48] Campbell also participated in minor musical collaborations, featuring vocals on Sam Morton's "Broxtowe Girl" from the June 2024 album Daffodils & Dirt, and releasing the single "Cathy's Clown" in August 2025 with Bitty McLean and Sly & Robbie, a reggae-infused cover emphasizing rhythmic horns and laid-back vibes.[49][50] A July 2025 interview shed light on Campbell's 2008 departure from UB40, revealing it stemmed from an acrimonious row over requested time off after three decades with the band, during which he stated there is "absolutely no" chance of reunion due to ongoing rifts.[51][52] In October 2025, Campbell discussed the upcoming Big Love Tour in an interview, expressing excitement about bringing UB40's timeless hits to new audiences while reflecting on the band's influence in mainstreaming reggae.[53] Looking ahead, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell announced the Big Love Tour for Australia in January 2026, with dates including January 18 at Kings Park in Perth, January 21 at Palais Theatre in Melbourne, January 22 at State Theatre in Sydney, January 24 at Civic Theatre in Newcastle, January 25 at The Star Gold Coast, and January 27 at Fortitude Music Hall in Brisbane, centered on legacy performances of their reggae-pop classics.[54][55] A South Africa leg follows in June 2026, visiting three cities: Cape Town's Grand Arena at GrandWest on June 2, Durban's ICC Durban Arena on June 4, and Pretoria's SunBet Arena on June 6, promising high-energy shows of hits like "(I Can't Help) Falling in Love with You."[56][57]Awards and honors
With UB40
During Ali Campbell's time as lead vocalist of UB40 from 1978 to 2008, the band garnered significant recognition for their reggae-pop fusion, including multiple nominations for major awards and commercial certifications that underscored their global impact. The group was nominated for the Brit Award for Best British Group in 1984, highlighting their rising prominence in the UK music scene following hits like "Red Red Wine."[26] UB40 received four Grammy nominations in the Best Reggae Recording or Best Reggae Album category, all during Campbell's tenure. These included a nomination for UB40 CCCP: Live in Moscow at the 30th Annual Grammy Awards in 1988, the self-titled album UB40 and the single "Breakfast in Bed" at the 31st Annual Grammy Awards in 1989, and Who You Fighting For? at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards in 2007.[27][28] In 2003, UB40 was awarded the Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement by the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers, and Authors, recognizing their songwriting contributions to international hits such as "Red Red Wine" and overall career success.[6] The band also earned a nomination for Favorite Pop/Rock Duo or Group at the 1989 American Music Awards, reflecting their crossover appeal in the US market.[28] UB40's commercial achievements were marked by several sales certifications. For example, Labour of Love II (1989) was certified Platinum by the RIAA in the US for sales exceeding one million copies in 1991, while in the UK, it achieved Platinum status from the BPI. The original Labour of Love album (1983) was certified 2× Platinum in the UK by the BPI. In September 2025, the single "Red Red Wine" from Labour of Love was certified 3× Platinum by the BPI in the UK. These certifications illustrate the band's enduring popularity, with over 70 million records sold worldwide during this era.[29][58]Solo and individual
In December 2010, Ali Campbell received an award from the Mauritius Government recognizing his contributions to music and charity work.[59] Campbell's solo endeavors after leaving UB40 in 2008, including albums such as Great British Songs (2010) and Silhouettes (2013), have not resulted in major award nominations from bodies like the Brit Awards or international reggae organizations, based on available records. No individual inductions into halls of fame or additional lifetime achievement honors specifically tied to his post-2008 solo career have been documented as of 2025.Works
Discography
With UB40 Ali Campbell served as the lead vocalist on all UB40 studio albums from their debut through 2008, as well as on reunion releases featuring him and Astro.Studio albums
| Title | Release year | UK peak | US peak | Certifications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Signing Off | 1980 | 2 | — | Platinum (UK) |
| Present Arms | 1981 | 2 | — | Gold (UK) |
| UB44 | 1982 | 4 | — | — |
| Labour of Love | 1983 | 1 | 14 | Platinum (UK, US) |
| Geffery Morgan | 1984 | 3 | — | — |
| Baggariddim | 1985 | 14 | — | — |
| Rat in the Kitchen | 1986 | 8 | 53 | Gold (UK) |
| UB40 | 1988 | 12 | 44 | Gold (UK) |
| Labour of Love II | 1989 | 3 | 30 | Platinum (UK), Gold (US) |
| Promises and Lies | 1993 | 1 | 6 | 3× Platinum (US) |
| Guns in the Ghetto | 1997 | 7 | — | — |
| Covers | 2001 | 29 | — | — |
| Homegrown | 2003 | 49 | — | — |
| Who You Fighting For? | 2005 | 20 | — | — |
| Twenty Four Seven | 2008 | 81 | — | — |
| A Real Labour of Love | 2018 | 2 | — | — |
| Unprecedented | 2022 | 18 | — | — |
Compilations with UB40
Key compilations featuring Campbell's vocals include The Best of Volume One (1986, UK #9), The Very Best of UB40 1980–2000 (1998, UK #1, 4× Platinum UK), and The Essential UB40 (2003, UK #31).[8]Key singles with UB40
- "Food for Thought" (1980, UK #4, certified Silver UK)
- "One in Ten" (1981, UK #7)
- "King" / "Burden of Shame" (1981, UK #21)
- "Red Red Wine" (1983, UK #8; 1988 re-release UK #1, US #1, 2× Platinum UK)
- "Please Don't Make Me Cry" (1983, UK #20)
- "Many Rivers to Cross" (1983, UK #30)
- "Cherry Oh Baby" (1984, UK #35)
- "I Got You Babe" (with Chrissie Hynde, 1985, UK #1, US #1, Platinum US)
- "(I Can't Help) Falling in Love with You" (1993, UK #1, US #6, Platinum UK)
- "Can't Help Falling in Love" (1993, US #5)
- "Higher Ground" (1995, UK #8)
- "Until My Baby Comes Home" (with Danni Dawson, 1995, UK #40)
- "Tell Me Is It True" (1997, UK #20)
Solo studio albums
- Big Love (1995): Peaked at #6 in the UK. Key tracks include "That Look in Your Eyes" (duet with Pamela St. Clement), "Drive It Home", and "Let Your Yeah Be Yeah".[36]
- Running Free (2007): Peaked at #9 in the UK. Highlights include title track "Running Free", "Out from Under", and "Hold Me Tight".[36]
- Flying High (2009): Peaked at #13 in the UK. Features originals like "Baby Come Back" and covers such as "Solitaire".[36]
- Great British Songs (2010): Peaked at #15 in the UK. A covers album with tracks like "Somethin' Stupid", "Light My Fire", and "Sunny".[36]
- Silhouette (2014): Peaked at #18 in the UK. Reunited with Astro and Mickey, includes tracks like "Silhouette" and "Our Love".[36]