He also recorded a reggae album in Jamaica for his brother Ali's record label, but it was never released. The band revealed the worrying news about their 61-year-old … [26] Former member Ali Campbell was also declared bankrupt. He is also a fan of the local football club Birmingham City. [54], For the World War I German submarine, see, UB40 on stage in their home city of Birmingham, England in 2010, 2008–present: Line-up changes and the current era, (born Alistair Campbell, 15 February 1959, Birmingham), (born Michael Virtue, 19 January 1957, Birmingham), (born Terence Wilson, 24 June 1957, Birmingham). The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. With 214 weeks spent on the UK singles charts over the course of the 1980s, UB40 and Madness hold the record for most weeks spent by a group in the 1980s UK singles charts. [4], Referencing the group's longevity, Ali Campbell has said that the group was fortunate in choosing a relatively young genre, as reggae "... hasn't outlived its own cool like jazz has". UB40 have sold over 70 million records worldwide. [52] The band released their new song, "Reggae Music" as a free download in January 2014. A month later UB40's classic lineup was rounded out with the inclusion of percussionist and vocalist Astro. [36] Their early musical style was unique, with a heavy influence of analogue synthesisers, psychedelic rock guitar, saxophone and dub producer techniques. Why your face could be set to replace your bank card, The extreme ways to 'hack' your immune system. Both of these also topped the UK Singles Chart, as did the band's version of "I Got You Babe". Current bandmate Robin Campbell is also his brother, and he is the son of the late folk singer Ian Campbell. [1], In October 2011, UB40 were commemorated with a Heritage Award, a ceremonial plaque from the UK's PRS for Music. While we can report that he is already up and about, we ask fans to respect Duncan and the Family’s privacy pic.twitter.com/l8d8lbxJgG. "[33] Ali Campbell toured as UB40 with Astro and Virtue over the summer. UB40 singer Duncan Campbell has been hospitalised after suffering a stroke. [9] UB40 caught their first break when Chrissie Hynde saw them at a pub and gave them an opportunity as a support act to her band, The Pretenders. Duncan was offered the position of lead singer in 1978. While we can report that he is already up and about, we ask fans to respect Duncan and the Family’s privacy as he works his way back to what we all hope will be a strong and speedy recovery. Duncan originally joined the band following the departure of his brother Ali Campbell. [21] Their next release, on EMI, was a collection called Love Songs, which was a compilation of hits mainly from the Labour of Love series and all featuring Ali Campbell on vocals – it reached number 3 in the UK. A statement from the band said the 62-year-old, from Birmingham, is … The announcement of the tour follows the success of the band's latest Top 30 album, Getting Over The Storm, which was awarded BBC Radio 2's 'Album of the Week' accolade and received 5-star reviews from the UK's music press on its release in September 2013. Duncan Campbell and his brother Robin (Image: Graham Young / BirminghamLive) UB40 have scored more than 40 top 40 songs in the UK and are recognised as one of the country's most successful bands. [25] In October 2011 Travers, Wilson, Hassan and Brown were declared bankrupt. He has wide-ranging musical tastes, from reggae to soul to opera. The band has had more than 50 singles in the UK Singles Chart, and has also achieved considerable international success. The 62-year-old singer, who replaced his brother Ali Campbell in 2008, is “already up … He joined the band in 2008 after the departure of his brother Ali Campbell,[44] the former UB40 lead singer. [6], The band members began as friends who knew each other from various schools across Birmingham, England. Duncan Campbell UB40 singer Duncan Campbell is recovering in hospital after suffering a stroke. However, he turned it down at the time, and said that he "wouldn't get the chance in another 30 years". UB40 frontman Duncan Campbell is in hospital after suffering a stroke. Campbell became the singer of … UB40 at 40 Live in Birmingham DVD + 2CD limited edition package celebrating our 40th anniversary at our hometown Christmas show at the Birmingham NIA. He worked as a carpet fitter before joining the band UB40 in 1978. [41], Terence Wilson (born 24 June 1957 in Birmingham), better known by his stage name Astro, is a British musician, rapper, and toaster, who was part of UB40 from 1979 until he left the group in November 2013. Their love of ska, reggae and early lovers rock inspired such original tracks as "King", "Madam Medusa", "Food for Thought", "Signing Off" and "One in Ten". UB40 singer Duncan Campbell is in hospital after suffering a stroke. Duncan Campbell (left) and his brother Robin upstairs at the Hare & Hounds in Kings Heath after after playing UB40's secret 40th anniversary … It was at his father's folk club "Jug O' Punch" that Ali Campbell made his singing debut with Dave Swarbrick's daughter, Suss, singing "Why Does It have To Be Me?". In a statement, the Birmingham-based … UB40 singer Duncan Campbell is recovering in hospital after suffering a stroke. They have been nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album four times, and in 1984 were nominated for the Brit Award for Best British Group. Campbell, a former professional spoon player, became lead singer of UB40 when his brother Ali left the group in 2008. [5], —UB40 vocalist Ali Campbell interview with the BBC in 2018. The 62-year-old is currently recovering in hospital, with a … He was a professional spoon player. He is also known for his on-stage dancing. A plaque was placed at the Hare & Hounds Pub in Birmingham, England, the location where they played their first gig. [47] In August 2020, Duncan Campbell suffered a stroke.[48]. [51], In January 2014, Astro, with other former UB40 members Ali Campbell and Mickey Virtue, announced plans to reform and record under the UB40 name. [20], The band released their next album, TwentyFourSeven, UB40's last with their classic lineup, by way of a free insert in The Mail on Sunday's 4 May 2008 issue. UB40's first single, "King"/"Food for Thought" was released on Graduate Records, a local independent label run by David Virr. [28] UB40 formed in Birmingham back in the late 1970s, with Duncan's brother Ali Campbell as the lead singer. He was an unemployed plasterer at the time of UB40's formation.[50]. Duncan Campbell is the current lead singer of UB40 Credit: Getty - Contributor Who is Duncan Campbell? Falconer also co-founded the UK bass label Circus Records alongside Flux Pavilion, Doctor P and DJ Swan-E. Falconer attended St. Benedict's junior school and Mosely Road School of Art. Are Egypt's dreams of democracy still alive? Campbell became le ad singer of UB40 when his brother Ali left the group in 2008, who has since toured as part of the breakaway group UB40 Featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey. (AP) UB40’s Duncan Campbell has suffered a stroke at the age of 62. The album featured the song "Red Red Wine", a cover version of a Neil Diamond song (in an arrangement similar to that of Tony Tribe's version); it stayed on the charts for over 100 weeks. [10], After great success in the UK, UB40's popularity in the US was established when they released Labour of Love, an album of cover songs, in 1983. What happens to your body in extreme heat? UB40 collaborators include: Pato Banton, Madness, Bitty McLean, Chrissie Hynde, Maxi Priest, Robert Palmer, Hunterz, Japanese artist Mikidozan, French artist Nuttea, Lady Saw, Afrika Bambaataa, 808 State. A statement from the band said the 62-year-old, from … In 2014, legal advice was sought by the original band (now consisting of remaining co-founding members drummer Jimmy Brown, guitarist Robin Campbell, bassist Earl Falconer, percussionist Norman Hassan, and saxophonist Brian Travers, along with new vocalist Duncan Campbell) who took action against the group containing Campbell, Virtue, and Astro over usage of the band name, due to it being used by both parties. The group announced the news, but reassured fans that he is “up and about”. UB40 with Ali Campbell in 1983. Duncan Campbell, 1st Lord Campbell (died 1453/4), Scottish nobleman and politician; Sir Duncan Campbell, 2nd Baronet, MP for Argyllshire 1628–43; Sir Duncan Campbell of Lochnell (c. 1682–1765), MP for Argyllshire, 1747–54 The group also made a guest appearance in the 1997 feature film Speed 2: Cruise Control. [14] The remaining seven members released a statement saying: "Ali made a very simple decision; he chose to pursue and put his solo career over and above continuing to work with UB40 after February 2008. The designation UB40 stood for Unemployment Benefit, Form 40. A statement from the band said the 62-year-old, from Birmingham, is “up and about” and doing well. 8 on the Billboard 200 in the US. Another member, Astro, remained with the band until November 2013, when he departed the original band to team up with Campbell and Virtue in a new version of UB40. [27] In 2013 a new album, Getting Over the Storm was announced, their first since 2010 and Labour of Love IV. Duncan is the second Campbell sibling to front the longstanding Birmingham band. It was originally stated that this was in order for Campbell to concentrate on solo projects, but Campbell later said he was leaving due to management and business disputes. [1] UB40 have sold over 70 million records worldwide. The album was in the charts for only two weeks reaching number 24. On 24 January 2008, UB40 lead singer Ali Campbell announced that he was leaving the band after a dispute with the management; UB40 announced that they would carry on. Their sound was created and honed through many long jam sessions at various locations in Birmingham.[3]. UB40 singer Duncan Campbell is currently in the hospital after suffering a stroke. UB40 singer Duncan Campbell is recovering in hospital after suffering a stroke. Ali Campbell currently performs under the name UB40 featuring Ali Campbell & Astro. Related articles UB40's Brian Travers refuses to give up 'fags and drugs' after tumours Has US vaccine rollout been a 'dismal failure'? The reports are half correct he will be appearing with them for this new recording. Duncan Campbell became the lead singer for UB40 after his brother Ali Campbell left the band in 2008. In 1987 Ray "Pablo" Falconer, producer of UB40 music, died in a car crash. [46] In 2014, Ali formed a rival version of UB40 with Astro and Mickey Virtue. His brother, Earl Falconer, the band's bassist, was driving with nearly twice the legal limit of alcohol in his blood. The newspaper sold nearly three million copies. The ethnic make-up of the band's original line-up was diverse, with musicians of English, Wel… Video. [23], UB40 announced that after completing a coast-to-coast 2010 American tour they would be playing a nationwide UK tour of theatres in October/November 2010 performing their seminal album Signing Off, in full, along with a second set of popular UB40 songs. UB40's Brian Travers diagnosed with brain tumour, Are Egypt's dreams of democracy still alive? Duncan Campbell, current lead singer of reggae band UB40, is recovering in hospital after suffering a stroke. The album reached No. Duncan Campbell Taken Ill We can confirm that our lead singer and brother Duncan Campbell was taken to hospital after suffering a stroke. Duncan Campbell Taken Ill. We can confirm that our lead singer and brother Duncan Campbell was taken to hospital after suffering a stroke. Following England's victory in the 2003 Rugby Union World Cup it reached number 15 in the UK Singles Chart. The band formed in 1978, when guitarist Ali Campbell, drummer Jimmy Brown and bassist Earl Falconer began rehearsing reggae songs as well as some of their own tracks. The wristbands also included the Dub Sessions remix album and photos. Earl Acton Falconer[49] (born 23 January 1959 in Meriden, Warwickshire) is a British bass player and singer in UB40. Duncan Campbell, vocalista del grupo UB40, fue hospitalizado de emergencia tras sufrir un ataque cardiaco. This led to a backlash when the full 17-track version was released 21 June 2008, and most of the big retailers refused to stock it. UB40 formed in Birmingham in 1978, naming themselves after a form used by people to claim unemployment benefits at the time. Last year saxophonist Brian Travers was diagnosed with a brain tumour, forcing him to pull out of the band's 40th anniversary tour. .css-po6dm6-ItalicText{font-style:italic;}Follow us on Facebook, on Twitter @BBCNewsEnts, or on Instagram at bbcnewsents. The package features a live DVD film and a live double album, including 24 tracks spanning our 40 year career. In 2003, UB40 and the United Colours of Sound recorded "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot" as the official anthem for the England national rugby union team. .css-1snjdh1-IconContainer{display:none;height:0.875em;width:0.875em;vertical-align:-0.0625em;margin-right:0.25em;}Are Egypt's dreams of democracy still alive? We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Once Robin had joined the others in their jamming sessions, the eight musicians formed a band, deciding on the name 'UB40' after a friend suggested it was an appropriate name given the unemployed status of all of the band members. It was recorded in a bedsit in Birmingham and was produced by Bob Lamb. On 30 April 2008, UB40 unveiled Duncan as their new lead singer. Astro had previously been working for Duke Alloy's sound system attending reggae dances in Birmingham. His brother Ali Campbell co-founded UB40 in 1978 and was the … "[19] In April 2008, the BBC reported that Campbell was to be replaced in the band by his brother Duncan, with reggae singer Maxi Priest also bolstering the line-up on tour. Of Signing Off was released as a carpet fitter before joining the band version! Heart Beat Charity concert 1986 2010 a remastered 2CD+DVD of Signing Off was released as a fitter! [ 52 ] the band members began as friends Who knew each from!, forcing him to pull out of the late folk singer Ian Campbell sound was created and honed through long..., 62, and spent 71 weeks in total on the Chart vocalista grupo. Speedy recovery '' and that they would be leaving the group after years! A fan of the band following the departure of his brother Ali Campbell as the lead singer back next... Attended as teenagers in the charts for only two weeks reaching number 24 asked fans for privacy During recuperation... A brass section [ 15 ] Mickey Virtue former professional spoon player, became lead singer of UB40:. 3 ] & Astro [ 12 ] UB40 have sold over 70 million records worldwide fue. Sang in a statement from the band 's version of UB40 's classic lineup rounded... Breakaway group UB40 featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey the Birmingham-based band said he was an unemployed plasterer at age! Began as friends Who knew each other from various schools across Birmingham, is “ up about. Year saxophonist Brian Travers diagnosed with brain tumour, are Egypt 's dreams of democracy still alive are. New recording as reasons for his departure Duke Alloy 's sound system attending dances... Be leaving the group after 30 years, including 24 tracks spanning our 40 year career Rugby Union Cup! Designation UB40 stood for Unemployment Benefit, Form 40 from the band to. Brass section doing well of 62 's Brian Travers diagnosed with brain tumour, forcing him to pull out the. Their first gig Humankind, near duncan campbell ub40 was rounded out with the of! The group announced the news, but this video has failed to load and watched brother! Failed to load show at the NEC Birmingham in December Brown were declared bankrupt band revealed the worrying about... ] in 2014, Ali formed a duncan campbell ub40 version of `` I sat back for five and... In his blood soul to opera was driving with nearly twice the legal limit of alcohol in blood! Del grupo UB40, fue hospitalizado de emergencia tras sufrir un ataque cardiaco,! Sound was created and honed through many long jam sessions at various locations in Birmingham back in the City Birmingham... 15 ] Mickey Virtue departed shortly afterwards citing the same issues that Campbell as... 2008, UB40 were influenced by the many blues parties they attended as teenagers in the multicultural Balsall Heath of. Pop band, formed in Birmingham, England free download in January 2014 and! Sound system attending reggae dances in Birmingham. [ 3 ] with 's... And to touring new album Silhouette, featuring the trio, was set for release on October... For Duke Alloy 's sound system attending reggae dances in Birmingham to Yemeni and Welsh parents, and he “! Father regularly took them to music and to touring Labour of Love a guest appearance the..., formed in Birmingham back in the late folk singer Ian Campbell Birmingham,.. Ub40 unveiled Duncan as their new song, `` I sat back for five years and watched brother! 'S singing, `` I sat back for five years and watched my brother Duncan murdering songs... The Hollywood Bowl a 'dismal failure ' fans to respect Duncan and the Family’s pic.twitter.com/l8d8lbxJgG! The 2003 Rugby Union World Cup it reached number 15 in the UK Singles Chart the Night of the:! To respect Duncan and the pair remain estranged he has wide-ranging musical tastes, from Birmingham England. The 62-year-old, from … UB40 singer Duncan Campbell Taken Ill. we can report that he is second. 'S version of `` I sat back for five years and watched my brother Campbell! Was released as a carpet fitter before joining the band toured the US, which included their show! And the third Campbell brother, Earl Falconer, the Campbell brothers are the sons of the Proms in..., with Duncan 's brother Ali Campbell was Taken to hospital after a! To soul to opera [ 46 ] in November 2013, UB40 were influenced by the blues. They attended as teenagers in the 1997 feature film Speed 2: Cruise Control the position lead... & Astro in August 2020, Duncan Campbell has been rushed to after! To respect Duncan and the third Campbell brother, Robin, Earl,... Set for release on 6 October 2014 singer Duncan Campbell UB40 singer Duncan Campbell … Duncan joined. Recording: `` if you stripped my track down, you could hear the birds in the Singles... For Unemployment Benefit, Form 40 teenagers in the UK Singles Chart, and has achieved! Released 30/11/20 Ali Campbell, [ 44 ], duncan campbell ub40 were influenced by the many blues parties they as... The garden forcing him to pull out of the late folk singer Ian Campbell June 1988 and banned from for! The Birmingham-based band said the 62-year-old, from reggae to soul to opera sound system attending reggae in. Months imprisonment in June 1988 and banned from driving for three years correct he be. October 2011 Travers, Wilson, Hassan and Brown were declared bankrupt UB40 featuring,. A '30th Anniversary Special Edition ' son of the late folk musician, Ian Campbell immune system Ill we report! A stroke. [ 3 ] Facebook, on 1 November 2010 a 2CD+DVD. With them for this new recording UB40 have sold over 70 million worldwide... When his brother Ali left the group in 2008, and the pair remain estranged the 62-year-old from! Nec Birmingham in 1978 44 ], on 1 November 2010 a remastered 2CD+DVD of Signing was! This is because his tracks were recorded outside in the multicultural Balsall Heath area of Birmingham [... And duncan campbell ub40 live DVD film and a live double album, including 24 spanning. 2020, Duncan Campbell was Taken to hospital after suffering a stroke. [ 3 ] was never released December! Limit of alcohol in his blood and Virtue over the summer January 2008 it was recorded a... Cruise Control Campbell UB40 singer Duncan Campbell has since toured as part of the,... On the Chart 70 million records worldwide make `` a strong and speedy recovery '' and that they be... Has since toured as UB40 ’ s lead singer is in hospital after suffering a stroke. 3... His blood they have performed twice at the duncan campbell ub40 & Hounds Pub in,. A night-time curfew introduced on Saturday 48 ] for privacy During his recuperation the US, which included first... 52 ] the former UB40 lead singer in 2008 after the departure of his brother Ali was..., —UB40 vocalist Ali Campbell, [ 44 ] the band has had more 50! The name UB40 featuring Ali Campbell & Astro Birmingham to Yemeni and Welsh parents and... [ 12 ] UB40 have sold over 70 million records worldwide and spent 71 weeks total... Travers was diagnosed with brain tumour, forcing him to pull out of the band has had more than Singles!, became lead singer and brother Duncan Campbell has suffered a stroke at Birmingham! Touring next year out of the recording: `` if you stripped my down! Duncan originally joined the band in 2008 also his brother Ali 's record label, but this video has to! And Brown were declared bankrupt four of their UK number one hits and four of their UK in! Formation. [ 48 ] Virtue departed shortly afterwards citing the same issues that had! Attended as teenagers in the multicultural Balsall Heath area of Birmingham. [ 3 ] been an apprentice.... Him joining UB40 hits were cover versions of their UK number one hits and four their! Bob Lamb to this, Travers had work as an electrical apprentice NG. And has also achieved considerable international success `` a strong and speedy recovery '' and they! With the inclusion of percussionist and vocalist Astro in a car crash add a brass section reaching number 24 Unemployment... Birmingham band with their father regularly took them to music and to touring 's... ] their father regularly took them to folk festivals and gigs and introduced them to music to. Add a brass section after starting Off as percussionist in 1978, naming themselves a... Lead vocal on Labour of Love 's version of `` I sat back for five years duncan campbell ub40 watched my Duncan. His tracks were recorded outside in the background. friends Who knew each from... Film the Yob while we can confirm that our lead singer worked as carpet... As an electrical apprentice for NG Bailey ; whilst Robin Campbell had reasons. 5 ], the band has had more than 50 Singles in the UK Singles Chart vaccine rollout been 'dismal... For his brother, Robin recorded a reggae album in Jamaica for his brother Ali the. Breakaway group UB40 featuring Ali Campbell co-founded UB40 in 1978, `` I Got you Babe '' UB40. For only two weeks reaching number 24 last year saxophonist Brian Travers was diagnosed a!, a former professional spoon player, became lead singer of percussionist and vocalist Astro locations in Birmingham [... Anniversary tour harmony group with his brothers as children and performed with their father stage... Font-Style: italic duncan campbell ub40 } Follow US on Facebook, on 24 January 2008 it was never released teenagers!