FOR THE MANY IS LABOUR OF LOVE
UB40’s 40th anniversary celebrations get into full swing with the release of their new album For The Many. But the 70million-selling Birmingham outfit, the world’s biggest reggae band, are still embroiled in an acrimonious split from singer Ali Campbell who left the band 10 years ago.
“The really annoying thing is he’s now taken to using our name,” says Robin Campbell, Ali’s estranged older brother. Especially outside of the UK, in a much bigger way than he does here.
“Outside of the UK, he just sells himself as UB40, really.
“We’re still involved in the legal battle to get him to stop. We never stopped being UB40 so it’s ridiculous. He doesn’t have a leg to stand on. But it’s proving very difficult to get him into court.” As soon as Ali departed, a third Campbell brother – Duncan – stepped in to take his place. UB40 Mk 1 continued as usual,travelling the world, making albums. “Of course it’s not pleasant having arguments continuing with ex-members of the band,” says Robin. “It’s not just my brother.
“There’s another guy (toaster/ rapper Astro) who left to join him. So that always felt like betrayal. It was unexpected and it was traumatic when it happened, but it was 10 years ago and it’s not something that we really dwell on.”
In UB40’s starred career, there are many highlights. For Robin, playing South Africa after the release of Nelson Mandela stands out. “I spent the whole time with the hairs on the back of my neck raised,” he says. “It was really moving to be singing songs that we’d written in support of black South Africans and have them singing the songs back to you – songs that were banned in apartheid South Africa.” The new album takes its title from a slogan used by political pal and fan, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. He turned up backstage when the band last played London. “He said ‘I just had to come and say Hi because you’re in London, but I can’t stop because there’s an important vote in Parliament tonight. He’s extremely friendly. He sent Jimmy, our drummer, a birthday message the other week.” ● For The Many is out today.