Ali Campbell
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| Ali Campbell | |
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 Ali Campbell
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Alistair Ian Campbell |
| Born | 15 February 1959 Birmingham, West Midlands, England |
| Genres | Reggae |
| Occupations | Musician, Songwriter |
| Instruments | Guitar, Vocals |
| Years active | 1977–present |
| Associated acts | UB40 |
| Website | alicampbell.net |
Ali Campbell, (born Alistair Ian Campbell, 15 February 1959, Birmingham), is a British singer, solo artist and songwriter and was the lead singer and founding member of the reggae band UB40.
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[edit] Personal life
He is the brother of former bandmate Robin Campbell and the son of Scottish folk singer, Ian Campbell. He also has a younger brother, Duncan Campbell.
[edit] Departure from UB40
On 24 January 2008, it was reported that Campbell was to quit the group after almost 30 years.[1] Campbell, who sang on hits such as "Red, Red Wine", intended to concentrate on his solo work, the band said in a statement. The Birmingham reggae band's last gigs together were in February 2008 in Australia, New Zealand and Uganda.[1] A spokesman for the band said they would continue to record and perform with the existing members.
On 25 January, 2008, Campbell said that he was leaving after almost 30 years because management difficulties had become "intolerable".[2] He claimed the disagreements had been going on for nearly five years and he was "deeply unhappy" with many decisions and some band members such as Brian Travers.[3]
In a statement, Campbell said: "I have been deeply unhappy with administrative practices and with many decisions that have been made in recent years. I have an ongoing investigation into the handling of my business affairs in relation to UB40. Suffice to say, I felt I had no other option but to resign from my band." He said he released his first solo album 13 years ago and when his current album was brought out, he had every intention of continuing to balance his own career with working with the band. Campbell said: "I am, perhaps, most upset on behalf of the fans, who have stuck with us, through thick and thin, throughout the years and are the best fans in the world. I know UB40 will carry on successfully without me and I wish them all the very best. They have been my family for the last 28 years and will always be my brothers".
Campbell's solo album, Running Free entered the UK Albums Chart at number 9, which was the first Top 10 studio album for Campbell, since Labour of Love III was released ten years earlier. Michael Virtue, keyboard player for UB40, also resigned from the band, shortly after Campbell, stating that he too, was joining Campbell in his legal investigation. UB40 now had six of the original eight members remaining and invited Campbell's brother Duncan, to join the band as lead vocalist. Virtue joined Campbell's new outfit, The Dep Band.
Campbell went on to perform a concert at London's Royal Albert Hall on 3 April 2008, featuring many of the artists who had appeared on his Running Free album. For the remainder of 2008, Campbell toured internationally with the Dep Band promoting the album. Campbell released his third solo album, Flying High, in 2009.
He and his band continue to tour in countries from Russia to Africa, with tours of Australia and New Zealand and a UK tour lined up in 2009.
[edit] Accolades
Lead singer with UB40, which has sold over 70 million records worldwide, Campbell has toured across the globe and notched up four number No. 1 worldwide singles with the group, including over 40 Top 40 UK singles, released 18 studio albums and received an Ivor Novello Award for International Achievement. At the 2007 Grammy Awards, UB40 were nominated for best reggae album, for their most recent album released in 2006.
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
- Big Love (1995) UK #6
- Running Free (2007) UK #9
- Flying High (2009) UK #13
[edit] Singles
- "That Look in Your Eyes" (1995) (with Pamela Starks) UK #5
- "You Can Cry On My Shoulder" (1995) (Japan only release)
- "Let Your Yeah Be Yeah" (1995) UK #25
- "Somethin' Stupid" (1995) (with Kibibi Campbell) UK #30
- "Hold Me Tight" (2007)
- "Would I Lie To You" (2007) (with Bitty McLean)
- "Running Free" (2008) (with Beverley Knight)
- "Out From Under" (2009)
[edit] References
- ^ a b BBC NEWS | England | West Midlands | UB40 singer Campbell quits group
- ^ BBC NEWS | England | West Midlands | UB40 star felt compelled to quit
- ^ Music.co.uk Interview
- ^ a b Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 90. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
