Who is who in UB40?
Feb 25, 2008
UB40 jetted to town for their only performance tomorrow at the Cricket Oval, Lugogo. Gates open at 4.00pm and the main act will be at 9.00pm. Tickets cost sh120,000 for VIP (Gold) and sh25,000 (Silver). The diverse band has musicians of English, Scottish, Irish, Yemeni and Jamaican parentage.
UB40 jetted to town for their only performance tomorrow at the Cricket Oval, Lugogo. Gates open at 4.00pm and the main act will be at 9.00pm. Tickets cost sh120,000 for VIP (Gold) and sh25,000 (Silver). The diverse band has musicians of English, Scottish, Irish, Yemeni and Jamaican parentage. Jude Katende introduces you to these stars
Ali Campbell
Ali is UB40’s champion of “dub†(a form of Jamaican music which evolved from reggae and ska in the 1970s).
Inspite of being an excellent guitarist, Ali is most interested in drums and bass. Born on February 15, 1959, he went to St. Luke’s Junior School and Moseley Road School of Art.
Sadly, Ali is leaving the group after Saturday’s show. On the group’s website www.ub40.co.uk, their spokesperson said Campbell’s recording work and his corporate shows for his solo album (Running Free) last year conflicted with his commitment to UB40.A decision on replacing Campbell had not yet been made, he added.
On his website, Ali Campbell.net, he says: “I am saddened at the ending of that relationship. I am perhaps most upset on behalf of the fans, who have stuck with us throughout the years.â€
MTN Uganda, the sponsors of the show were also hard hit by this, but remained optimistic. “This will be a historic concert because the founder of this band would be bidding farewell to his mates of over 30 years,†a statement from MTN read.
Astro
He plays the trumpet. Born on June 24 1957, he attended Greet and Golden Hillock Schools, and was unemployed before joining UB40. He met the band at one of their Moseley pub shows and appointed himself their dance master. He did so until he became a member.
Robin Campbell
An aficionado of reggae, he has many influences. He is Ali’s brother.
Earl Falconer
“Earl is not an extrovert. He causes problems for TV and lighting crews, because of a tendency to retire to the shadows,†the band’s website states. Born on January 23, 1959, he attended St. Benedict’s Junior School and Moseley School of Art. Like other band members, he had no experience, but his talent has made him an outstanding bass player.
Brian Travers
He plays saxophone. He is largely responsible for UB40’s videos. He went to Cape Hill and Lakey Lane primary schools and Moseley School of Art. He was an electrician before he joined UB40. interestingly, Travers, who is responsible for UB40’s distinctive sax sound, could not play at all before the band started.
Norman Lamont Hassan
He plays percussion, trombone and sings. He was born on January 26, 1958 and studied at Tindall Street, Clifton Road, Park Hill and Queensbridge Road. He used to be a carpet fitter. He learnt the trombone in 1981. He sang his first lead vocal on Labour of Love.
Michael Virtue
He plays keyboards. He was born on January 19, 1957 and attended Clifton Road Primary School and Golden Hillock Comprehensive.
He was working in an office when he joined UB40. Michael is interested in music other than reggae, and has been influenced by jazz and jazz-funk.
A specialist in highly innovative lead lines on the synthesiser, he also often amazed the band with his unorthodox chord sequences.
James Brown
Other band members call him a talkative anarchist. He is also the band’s most radical commentator on social matters. Born on November 20, 1957, he attended Marlborough Road Primary School and Moseley School of Art. He has become one of the best reggae drummers in Britain. Sly is his biggest musical influence.
Ali Campbell
Ali is UB40’s champion of “dub†(a form of Jamaican music which evolved from reggae and ska in the 1970s).
Inspite of being an excellent guitarist, Ali is most interested in drums and bass. Born on February 15, 1959, he went to St. Luke’s Junior School and Moseley Road School of Art.
Sadly, Ali is leaving the group after Saturday’s show. On the group’s website www.ub40.co.uk, their spokesperson said Campbell’s recording work and his corporate shows for his solo album (Running Free) last year conflicted with his commitment to UB40.A decision on replacing Campbell had not yet been made, he added.
On his website, Ali Campbell.net, he says: “I am saddened at the ending of that relationship. I am perhaps most upset on behalf of the fans, who have stuck with us throughout the years.â€
MTN Uganda, the sponsors of the show were also hard hit by this, but remained optimistic. “This will be a historic concert because the founder of this band would be bidding farewell to his mates of over 30 years,†a statement from MTN read.
Astro
He plays the trumpet. Born on June 24 1957, he attended Greet and Golden Hillock Schools, and was unemployed before joining UB40. He met the band at one of their Moseley pub shows and appointed himself their dance master. He did so until he became a member.
Robin Campbell
An aficionado of reggae, he has many influences. He is Ali’s brother.
Earl Falconer
“Earl is not an extrovert. He causes problems for TV and lighting crews, because of a tendency to retire to the shadows,†the band’s website states. Born on January 23, 1959, he attended St. Benedict’s Junior School and Moseley School of Art. Like other band members, he had no experience, but his talent has made him an outstanding bass player.
Brian Travers
He plays saxophone. He is largely responsible for UB40’s videos. He went to Cape Hill and Lakey Lane primary schools and Moseley School of Art. He was an electrician before he joined UB40. interestingly, Travers, who is responsible for UB40’s distinctive sax sound, could not play at all before the band started.
Norman Lamont Hassan
He plays percussion, trombone and sings. He was born on January 26, 1958 and studied at Tindall Street, Clifton Road, Park Hill and Queensbridge Road. He used to be a carpet fitter. He learnt the trombone in 1981. He sang his first lead vocal on Labour of Love.
Michael Virtue
He plays keyboards. He was born on January 19, 1957 and attended Clifton Road Primary School and Golden Hillock Comprehensive.
He was working in an office when he joined UB40. Michael is interested in music other than reggae, and has been influenced by jazz and jazz-funk.
A specialist in highly innovative lead lines on the synthesiser, he also often amazed the band with his unorthodox chord sequences.
James Brown
Other band members call him a talkative anarchist. He is also the band’s most radical commentator on social matters. Born on November 20, 1957, he attended Marlborough Road Primary School and Moseley School of Art. He has become one of the best reggae drummers in Britain. Sly is his biggest musical influence.