UB40

UB40

UB40 is a British reggae and pop band formed in Birmingham, England, in 1978. The band’s name is derived from the Unemployment Benefit, Form 40, which was a document issued to people claiming unemployment benefits. UB40’s early lineup consisted of brothers Robin Campbell, Ali Campbell, and Brian Travers, along with Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer, Norman Hassan, and Mickey Virtue.

UB40 gained widespread popularity in the 1980s with a series of hit albums and singles that fused reggae with pop and other musical styles. Some of their most well-known songs include “Red Red Wine,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “Kingston Town,” and “I Got You Babe” (a collaboration with Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders).

Over the years, the band has undergone lineup changes, with Ali Campbell departing in 2008 and being replaced by Duncan Campbell, his brother. UB40 has continued to perform and release music, maintaining a significant fan base globally. The band’s music often addresses social and political issues, and their reggae-influenced sound has left a lasting impact on the music scene.