In the vibrant musical landscape of the late 1970s, a group of friends from Birmingham, England, came together to create a band that would change the face of reggae music. UB40, as they came to be known, not only left an indelible mark on the reggae scene but also achieved international acclaim. Let's dive into the history of this iconic band.
The Birth of UB40: Unemployment Benefit Form 40
The story of UB40 began in December 1978 when a group of school friends, hailing from different corners of Birmingham, decided to form a band. Their moniker, "UB40," held a significant meaning – it referred to the Unemployment Benefit, Form 40, issued by the UK government's Department of Employment. This name reflected the band members' shared experience of being unemployed at the time.
The core founding members included guitarist Ali Campbell, drummer Jimmy Brown, and bassist Earl Falconer. Together, they embarked on rehearsals, not only covering reggae chart-toppers but also composing their own original tracks. As they fine-tuned their sound, they welcomed percussionists Yomi Babayemi and Norman Hassan, saxophonist Brian Travers, and keyboardist Jimmy Lynn into the fold. The final piece of the puzzle, guitarist Robin Campbell, joined, making UB40 an eight-member ensemble.
The Journey Begins: First Gigs and Lineup Changes
UB40's musical journey took off in February 1979 when they performed their first show at the Hare & Hounds pub in Kings Heath, Birmingham. This gig, along with another one, marked the band's initial foray into the music scene. However, their lineup saw its first change as Yomi Babayemi and Jimmy Lynn departed, with Mickey Virtue taking over keyboard duties.
The classic UB40 lineup solidified with the addition of percussionist and vocalist Astro. Astro had a background in working for Duke Alloy's sound system, gaining experience in the reggae scene. With this lineup in place, the band's sound continued to evolve through extensive jam sessions across Birmingham.
Chrissie Hynde's Support and Early Success
UB40's big break came when Chrissie Hynde, of The Pretenders fame, noticed their talent during a pub performance and invited them to open for her band. This opportunity propelled them into the spotlight.
In 1980, UB40 released their first single, "King"/"Food for Thought," on the local independent label Graduate Records. The single climbed to No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart, signaling their arrival on the music scene.
Their debut album, "Signing Off," arrived on August 29, 1980. The title itself held significance, symbolizing the band's transition from unemployment to pursuing their musical dreams. The album was produced by Bob Lamb and recorded in a Birmingham bedsit. A unique aspect of the recording was the inclusion of ambient sounds, like birdsong, captured during outdoor recording sessions.
"Signing Off" made its mark on the UK Albums Chart, entering on October 2, 1980, and spending a total of 71 weeks there. It achieved Platinum status, cementing UB40's position as a musical force to be reckoned with.
As their popularity soared, UB40 didn't forget their roots. They actively supported and promoted local musicians and bands from Birmingham, nurturing the city's burgeoning music scene.
UB40's journey was just beginning, and they would go on to make an even greater impact on the world of reggae and pop music. Stay tuned for the next chapter in their remarkable story.
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