Three original UB40 members have announced they are reuniting to record a new album and tour.
Singers Ali Campbell, Astro and keyboardist Mickey Virtue, who together formed the Birmingham-based reggae group, made the announcement on their newly-launched website, UB40.org, on Friday (January 17). They also revealed that they are currently recording new songs.
The message posted on their website read: “The three founding members have reformed and reunited to bring you the true sound of UB40. Ali, Astro and Mickey are currently in the studio working on a new album…more info soon.”
The original UB40 played together for about 30 years before singer Ali Campbell left in January 2008. Mickey Virtue departed shortly after and Astro quit the group in November 2013. The remaining members of the group continue to tour under the UB40 name, with Ali’s brother Duncan on vocals, and this announcement of another UB40 touring will likely cause major friction and legal action.
In 2011, Ali Campbell and four other members of UB40 were declared bankrupt following the failure and collapse of their record company and management firm DEP International.
Formed in 1978 in Birmingham, UB40 enjoyed 1980s UK chart toppers with ‘Red Red Wine’, ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’ and ‘I Got You Babe’.
