Ali Campbell
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Ali Campbell | |
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 Ali Campbell fronting UB40
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Alistair Ian Campbell |
| Born | 15 February 1959 Birmingham, England |
| Genre(s) | Reggae |
| Occupation(s) | Musician, Songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | 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 (of Scottish descent) singer, solo artist and songwriter and was the lead singer of the reggae band UB40.
He is the brother of former bandmate Robin Campbell and the son of Scottish folksinger, Ian Campbell.
Lead singer with the world-famous group UB40, which has sold over 70 million records worldwide, Campbell has toured across the globe and notched up four number No. 1 world-wide 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.
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 'Rat In Mi Kitchen', and Red, Red Wine, intended to concentrate on his solo work, the band said in a statement. The Birmingham reggae band's last gigs together will be in February 2008 in Australia, New Zealand and Uganda.[2] A spokesman for the band said they would continue to record and perform with the existing seven members.
On 25 January 2008, Campbell said that he was leaving after almost 30 years because management difficulties had become "intolerable".[3] He claimed the disagreements had been going on for nearly five years and he was "deeply unhappy" with many decisions. A UB40 spokesman disputed his comments over the situation with management.
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."
A spokesman for the band said: "Ali's statement is incorrect with respect to the situation of management, which he brings up. The statement that was issued Thursday 24 January 2008 was agreed and sanctioned by all seven band members, including his brother Robin Campbell."
On the 30 April 2008, it was announced that Ali's brother Duncan would replace him as lead vocalist, whilst the reggae star Maxi Priest would be joining the band's line-up for the upcoming tour.
[edit] Album Discography
- Big Love (1995)reached UK 25
- Running Free (2007)
reached UK number 9
[edit] Single Discography
- That Look In Your Eyes (1995) (with Pamela Starks) #1 on the U.K. charts
- You Can Cry On My Shoulder (1995) (Japan only)
- Let Your Yeah Be Yeah (1995)
- Something Stupid (1995) (with Kibibi Campbell)
- Hold Me Tight (2007)
- Would I Lie To You (2007) (with Bitty McLean)
- Running Free (2008) (with Beverly Knight)
[edit] References
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