UB40 - The Most Fascinating Facts Anywhere

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1. The name comes from an unemployment form

UB40 was the British form for claiming unemployment benefit. The band formed in Birmingham in 1978 when several members were out of work.

2. The Campbell brothers' father was a folk singer

Ali, Robin and Duncan Campbell are sons of Ian Campbell, of the Ian Campbell Folk Group. The family had a strong musical background.

3. Their debut album cover was a form

Signing Off in 1980 featured a sleeve styled as an unemployment document. It carried the band's social message.

4. Food for Thought was a first hit

The 1980 double A-side with King reached the UK top five. It was released on their own label.

5. Chrissie Hynde championed them

She invited them to support The Pretenders and later duetted with Ali Campbell. I Got You Babe reached number one in the UK in 1985.

6. Red Red Wine followed a reggae cover

Their 1983 hit was based on Tony Tribe's reggae version of Neil Diamond's song, not Diamond's original. It reached number one in the UK, and again in the US in 1988.

7. Labour of Love was a covers album

The 1983 album featured reggae versions of songs by artists such as Jimmy Cliff. Sequels followed in later years.

8. Their lyrics reflected unemployment

One in Ten in 1981 referred to the unemployment rate. The song was a political statement.

9. Sing Our Own Song supported anti-apartheid causes

The 1986 single was dedicated to the struggle in South Africa. The band also played tribute concerts for Nelson Mandela.

10. Can't Help Falling in Love was a number one

The 1993 cover of the Elvis song topped charts in the UK and the US. It featured in the film Sliver.

11. The band split into two versions

Ali Campbell left in 2008 and was later joined by others in a separate group. Duncan Campbell took over lead vocals in the original UB40.

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