We caught up with Ali Campbell, lead singer, songwriter and founding member of UB40, the English reggae band who have sold over 70 million records worldwide and toured the globe for 45 years with 50 UK Chart hits. Ali is embarking on his latest ‘Hits’ tour this April.
So Ali, how does it feel to be back?
I originally left the band 15 years ago in 2008 so it feels great to be back again, fans are voting with their feet and wanting to hear all our music again, which is great. The influence of reggae on today’s music is huge. If you listen to grime, hip-hop, drill, jungle, or drum and bass, so much of it has come from dub and dancehall. Reggae music is a perfect antidote to these dark times. It’s music that unifies. You might not change anything by singing about it, but you can at least travel the world and try to bring people together.
All three of you are from Birmingham, were you friends before you started the band?
Yes we are the real deal! We were all friends, unemployed earning £7.90 a week for 3 years before UB40 started. I remember on my 17th birthday receiving £4000 for a criminal injury compensation – it was like I had won the lottery. I put some of that money into recording time in the studio and the rest is history.
What inspires you when writing songs?
Love songs – my wife then I suppose I like to moan a lot so many of our protest lyrics come from that.
Have you ever found a ‘Rat in the Kitchen?’
Funnily enough yes, it was underneath the washing machine and I shot it with an airgun. Astro popped round after and that’s how the track was penned. Most people automatically think it refers to Thatcherism in the eighties but it is because there was a big f*** off rat in my kitchen. Good question!
What would you say is your biggest crowd pleaser or what do you and the boys enjoy performing the most?
‘Red Red Wine’ or ‘I Can’t Help Falling In Love’ are belters.
What would you say is your greatest achievement?
My beautiful children – I have 8.
Best advice you’ve ever been given?
To live the life you love and to love the life you live.
Worst habit?
Being lazy. Not on tour though but when I get back I’m a proper coach potato. I love to relax and chill. I’m lucky I don’t have to do a 9-5 job.
What did you want to be growing up?
Always a singer. I used to pretend to be Michael Jackson in the Jackson 5 in the playground as I was the same age as him. I used to hit all the high notes… until my balls dropped!
What actor would play you in the movie version of your life?
James Cagney (if he was alive).
Most embarrassing item in your wardrobe?
My kilt.
What couldn’t you live without?
Reggae music.
If you could only take 3 things to a dessert island what would they be and why?
A solar torch/radio, fire starters and a large machete.
If someone asked to be your apprentice and learn all that you know, what would you teach them?
How to sing, play the rhythm guitar and drums.
What do you do to relax?
Smoke weed.
BOXOUT
That’s very honest of you, thank you Ali!
You can catch UB40’s Ali who is embarking on his latest ‘Hits’ tour this April, hitting the O2 on Thursday 11th April.
