Ali Campbell in Florida 2017.
Photo: Getty Images, Gerardo Mora. All rights reserved.
The British reggae pop band have released their new single “Sufferer” and announced a new album for June 2022. It will be called “Unprecedented” and will be released on June 17th.
The new release “Sufferer” has a special meaning, just like the entire record. Co-founder Alistair “Ali” Campbell dedicated it to his late ex-bandmate Terence “Astro” Wilson. The band’s former co-singer passed away in 2021 at the age of 64. The track, originally by the Kingstonians, was “always loved” by Campbell in the album’s press release. Astro and he were both blown away by their own version of the song, so the release helps “keep the memory of him alive.”
The band is currently on a UK tour. While excited at the opportunity to play live, Campbell notes, “Obviously making this move without Astro by my side will be incredibly difficult.” we let the music live on.”
Campbell originally left the original band UB40 due to financial issues and to focus on his solo career. Wilson later split from the group as well, paving the way for UB40 featuring Ali Campbell & Astro. The name UB40 comes from a form (Unemployment Benefit, Form 40) used to register as unemployed in Great Britain. The most recent release was a lockdown cover of Bill Withers’ “Lean On Me” on YouTube.