In an effort to promote reggae music while exemplifying unity among various races and cultures in England, UB40 became a politically-charged entity when the group began in 1979. Original UB40 lead vocalist Ali Campbell said, “We had something tangible to speak out against then. Now England is worse than it’s ever been. Politically, reggae has always spoken against the establishment. It’s synonymous with protest. We supported South Africa’s struggle against apartheid, and you can see the effect the entire movement had when the whole world stopped when Mandella passed away. It was felt around the world and that legacy is something South Africans can be proud of.” Approaching his 57th birthday in February and having sold more that 70 million records worldwide, Campbell has the same sense of urgency that the late and great Bob Marley had in spreading “Rebel Music” and “Positive Vibration”. Campbell explained: “We started out on the streets of Birmingham as kids wanting to make reggae music. I set UB40 up years ago when I started the band to travel the world promoting reggae and dub music. That was my mission back then and it still is today. We have been flying the flag for reggae basically.”
Ali Campbell is happier than ever to be reunited with UB40 bandmates Astro and Mickey Virtue.

After 30 years of fronting UB40, Ali resigned from the band due to “intolerable management difficulties”. Original UB40 keyboardist Mickey Virtue followed Ali’s lead shortly thereafter in 2008. Having become disillusioned with the band’s creative direction since Ali’s departure, UB40’s dreadlocked MC and toaster Astro left the band in 2013 to reunite with Ali and Mickey. The trio have since reclaimed the name UB40 as their own to preserve the integrity of the band’s original signature sound and vision. Reggae Rebel Ali Campbell elaborated: “We feel that we can try and save the legacy of UB40 by touring and playing internationally. I still make reggae for the fans who love and supported us over the years. I still love my original influences like Peter Tosh and Stevie Wonder. I love dub since the music sometimes says more that lyrics can. It’s a great unifier. I still hold myself as being responsible for the continuation of reggae, and that’s what I will do for as long as I live.”

57th birthday, reggae ambassador Ali Campbell returns to Southern California with UB40 original members Astro and Mickey Virtue for an exclusive appearance at the OC Fair Summer Concert Series at the Pacific Amphitheatre on July 31st. All reserved seats include free admission to the OC Fair. Purchase your tickets today by clicking HERE. Based on last year’s sold-out shows in Cerritos and San Diego, it is highly advisable to act fast to avoid disappointment.