Bass player Earl Falconer, 64, was ill for a number of weeks in hospital and is now recovering at home
UB40 bass player Earl Falconer (Image: UB40)
A UB40 star needed “lifesaving” hospital treatment as he battled meningitis. Legendary bass player Earl Falconer was sick for a number of weeks.
The 64-year-old, from Warwickshire, became unwell following a recent trip to Ibiza. He was treated on his return to the UK at Walsall Manor Hospital’s Intensive Care Unit for 17 days before moving to a ward. He is now resting at home and is expected to make a full recovery
Taking to Instagram, ub40official posted: “Upon his return from a holiday in Ibiza recently, our brother and legendary bass player Earl Falconer fell ill and was hospitalised. He was diagnosed with a form of meningitis. Despite being seriously ill in hospital for a number of weeks, Earl is now at home resting and expected to make a full recovery. For this reason, Earl won’t be performing in the near future.

UB40 on the citybound platform at Hall Green Railway Station – UB40 stars Norman Hassan, Robin Campbell, Jimmy Brown Earl Falconer and new frontman Matt Doyle who is also Norman’s nephew (Image: Nick Wilkinson / BirminghamLive)
“We want to say a huge thank you to the NHS, the wonderful ICU staff and Ward 4 staff @walsallhcarenhs who cared for Earl and gave him lifesaving treatment. It is thanks to them, that Earl is expected to make a full recovery from this aggressive infection.”
“Whilst Earl is recovering, all scheduled dates will be going ahead and Ben Torrens will be standing in for him. Please join us in wishing our brother Earl, a strong and speedy recovery. Big Love, UB40.”
Xana Marriott, senior sister for critical care rehabilitation at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “We are so glad Earl is making a good recovery. It was a pleasure to care for him. We wish him all the best.”