UB40, a popular reggae band, is known for bringing a good time to their shows. Founding drummer Jimmy Brown says that their performances focus on music, dancing, and fun. Guitarist Robin Campbell adds that, unlike some other bands, UB40 has a global reach. Oasis shows in new countries were also teased recently.
It might seem surprising, but in their early days, UB40 was known for tackling social and political issues. Their first single, King, criticized American racism and reached No. 4 on UK charts in 1980. The band’s name even refers to a British unemployment form, showing their stance against Margaret Thatcher’s government at the time.
As the years went on, their music became more about feel-good hits like Red Red Wine and Can’t Help Falling in Love, making them more mainstream. Campbell admits that while they once thought they could change the world, they now feel they’re mostly “preaching to the choir.”
Even though their focus has shifted, they remain committed to anti-racism, recalling moments like the Handsworth protest where they joined others in a clash with police. Today, UB40 is enjoying renewed success, with their first Top 10 album since 1998, UB45, and sold-out shows like at Wembley Arena. The lineup has changed over the years, but their popularity continues to grow.
UB40’s beginnings were humble. Formed in Birmingham in 1978, they recorded their first album on a small budget, and it spent over a year on the charts. Their big break came when Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders invited them on tour. UB40 returned the favor by standing up for The Pretenders’ bassist in a confrontation with security.
In the early days, UB40 had a “gang” mentality, standing up to anyone who wronged them. This strong stance even landed them on an MI5 watch list in the 1980s. Brown remembers agents outside their studio and their phones being tapped, though he laughs about it now.
