Original UB40 members where are they now? A look at the past and current members
The original UB40 members are Ali Campbell, Robin Campbell, Brian Travers, Earl Falconer, Jimmy Brown, Norman Hassan, Michael Virtue, and Astro. Formed in 1978, the band went on to create a reggae sound that captured hearts around the world. Today, some UB40 members are still performing, while others are fondly remembered for their lasting legacy.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Key Takeaways
- Meet the original UB40 members who started it all
- UB40 new members: fresh faces behind the iconic band
- How old are UB40 members?
- How many UB40 members are left?
- How many UB40 members have died?
- Who are UB40 members now?
- What is the difference between UB40 and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell?
- Why did Ali Campbell leave UB40?
Key Takeaways
- UB40 was formed in Birmingham, England, by eight friends.
- The band rose to international fame with timeless hits like Red Red Wine and Can’t Help Falling in Love, and to date, they have released 21 studio albums.
- Over the decades, the lineup has shifted, with original members such as Ali Campbell and Michael Virtue moving on, while new faces like Duncan Campbell and Matt Doyle have stepped in.
- Some original members who left the band later formed a splinter group called UB40 featuring Ali Campbell.
Meet the original UB40 members who started it all
The story of UB40 begins with its original members, who formed the band in Birmingham in 1978. Here is a closer look at each of the original founding members.
Ali Campbell
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- Full name: Alistair Ian Campbell
- Date of birth: 15 February 1959
- Age: 66 years old (as of 2025)
- Profession: Singer, songwriter, guitarist
Ali Campbell was the unmistakable voice of UB40, serving as the lead singer and one of the founding members since 1978. His vocals carried the band to international fame, particularly with chart-topping hits like Red Red Wine (1983), I Got You Babe (1985), and Can’t Help Falling in Love (1993).
In 2008, Ali left UB40, citing disputes over the band’s management and finances. He soon launched a solo career, releasing albums that blended reggae classics with fresh material.
In 2013, he reunited with Astro and Mickey Virtue to form UB40 featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey, later continuing as UB40 featuring Ali Campbell after Virtue stepped back and Astro passed away. Today, Ali tours globally with his group, ensuring that UB40’s original sound remains alive for fans across generations.
Robin Campbell
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- Full name: Robin Campbell
- Date of birth: 25 December 1954
- Age: 70 years old (as of August 2025)
- Profession: Singer, guitarist
Robin Campbell, Ali’s elder brother, was a founding guitarist and vocalist for UB40. Known for his strong rhythm guitar and steady vocals, Robin helped shape the band’s signature reggae style. As one of the band’s leaders, he also took on the role of musical anchor, providing harmonies and support that allowed Ali’s voice to shine.
Unlike Ali, the British singer chose to remain with the official UB40 lineup after the 2008 split. Today, he continues to perform as part of the group led by him and other original members, including Earl Falconer, Jimmy Brown, and Norman Hassan. Under Robin’s leadership, UB40 has kept releasing music, such as the 2023 album UB45.
Earl Falconer
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- Full name: Earl Falconer
- Date of birth: 23 January 1957
- Age: 68 years old (as of 2025)
- Profession: Guitarist, singer
Earl Falconer has been UB40’s bassist since its inception and remains one of its longest-serving members. Known for his deep reggae grooves and backing vocals, Earl was central to creating the rhythmic heartbeat that defined UB40’s sound. He has also taken the lead on a few UB40 tracks, showing his versatility as a musician.
Outside of his role in the band, the renowned guitarist has dabbled in music production, helping bring reggae to a wider audience in the UK. Despite the lineup changes and challenges UB40 has faced, he remains committed to the group. Today, Earl continues to tour and record with Robin Campbell, Jimmy Brown, and Norman Hassan as part of the official UB40 lineup.
Jimmy Brown
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- Full name: James Brown
- Date of birth: 20 November 1957
- Age: 67 years old (as of August 2025)
- Profession: Drummer
Jimmy Brown, UB40’s original drummer, has been keeping the beat since day one. His reggae-inspired rhythms mixed with the band’s pop-reggae vibe gave UB40 their signature sound and powered some of their biggest hits.
Throughout UB40’s ups and downs, Jimmy has stayed loyal to the band. He continues to tour with the official UB40 lineup, performing for fans worldwide. His consistency and dedication make him one of the band’s pillars, and his presence on stage ensures that UB40 retains its original energy.
Brian Travers
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- Full name: Brian David Travers
- Date of birth: 7 February 1959
- Date of death: 22 August 2021 (age 62 years)
- Profession: Saxophonist
Brian Travers was UB40’s saxophonist and one of its most creative members. His saxophone melodies gave UB40’s reggae sound a rich and jazzy layer, becoming iconic in tracks such as One in Ten and Food for Thought. Beyond performance, Travers also played a major role in writing some of the group's top songs.
For over four decades, Brian toured with UB40 and became a beloved figure among fans. Sadly, in 2021, he lost his battle with cancer at the age of 62. His passing marked the end of an era, but his musical influence lives on in UB40’s catalogue.
Norman Hassan
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- Full name: Norman Lamont Hassan
- Date of birth: 26 January 1958
- Age: 67 years old (as of 2025)
- Profession: Singer, multi-instrumentalist
Norman Hassan brought multi-instrumental talent to UB40, excelling in percussion, trombone, and vocals. He added depth and richness to the band’s live performances, often switching between instruments and showcasing his versatility. His onstage energy made him a fan favourite during concerts.
Over the years, Norman has remained with the official UB40, performing alongside Robin Campbell, Earl Falconer, and Jimmy Brown. He continues to contribute both in the studio and on tour, preserving the authentic reggae feel that made UB40 a household name.
Michael Virtue
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- Full name: Michael Virtue
- Date of birth: 19 January 1957
- Age: 68 years old (as of 2025)
- Profession: Singer, keyboardist
Michael Virtue, better known as Mickey Virtue, was UB40’s original keyboardist. His arrangements and melodies were crucial in shaping the band’s sound, adding depth and atmosphere to their reggae tracks. From the band’s earliest days in Birmingham to their peak global fame, Mickey’s contributions were central to their success.
In 2008, Mickey left the band along with Ali Campbell, later joining Ali and Astro to form UB40 featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey. He performed with the splinter group for a few years before stepping away from the project. Though no longer active with either version of UB40, he is remembered for his role in creating the band’s trademark reggae-pop fusion.
Astro (Terence Wilson)
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- Full name: Terence Wilson
- Date of birth: 24 June 1957
- Date of death: 6 November 2021 (age 64 years)
- Profession: Singer, trumpeter
Astro, born Terence Wilson, was UB40’s charismatic MC and trumpeter. He added flair and personality to the band’s music with his signature toasting style, delivering reggae spoken-word verses that became a hallmark of UB40’s sound. Songs like Rat in Mi Kitchen have showcased his distinctive voice and playful energy.
Astro left the original UB40 in 2013, joining Ali Campbell and Mickey Virtue in their splinter group. He toured and recorded with them until his untimely death in 2021 after a short illness.
UB40 new members: fresh faces behind the iconic band
UB40's new members bring fresh energy to the iconic band. They have stepped in to carry on the group’s rich legacy while adding their flair. Together with some of the original members, they keep UB40’s music alive for old and new fans alike. Below is a look at the talented additions to the band’s lineup.
Laurence Parry
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- Full name: Laurence Parry
- Date of joining UB40: 1994
- Profession: Multi-instrumentalist
Laurence Parry is a talented brass player who joined UB40’s official lineup in 2016 after years of working with them as a session and touring musician. Skilled on trumpet, flugelhorn, and trombone, he brought fresh energy to UB40’s horn section.
Parry’s long-standing relationship with UB40 made him a natural fit when the lineup evolved. Today, he is a permanent member of the band, playing alongside both founding and newer members to ensure UB40’s live shows retain their classic power.
Martin Meredith
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- Full name: Martin Meredith
- Date of joining UB40: 1997
- Profession: Multi-instrumentalist
Martin Meredith is one of the current UB40 members after he joined in 2016, but like Laurence Parry, he had been part of the band’s extended family for years as a session musician. A versatile player, he handles alto saxophone, keyboards, and aerophone, making him one of the most multi-talented members in the lineup.
Matt Doyle
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- Full name: Matt Doyle
- Date of joining UB40: July 2021
- Profession: Lead vocalist
Matt Doyle is UB40’s current lead vocalist, stepping in after Duncan Campbell’s retirement in 2021 due to health issues. Before joining UB40, Doyle was the frontman of KIOKO, a Birmingham-based reggae and pop band that often supported UB40 on tour.
As a lead singer, Doyle has breathed new life into UB40’s performances, balancing respect for the band’s legacy with his style.
Ian Thompson
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- Full name: Ian Thompson
- Date of joining UB40: 2021
- Profession: Multi-instrumentalist
Ian Thompson is a talented saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist who first stepped in as a substitute for Brian Travers in 2019. Following Travers’ passing in 2021, Thompson became a permanent member of UB40. He plays tenor saxophone, keyboards, and percussion, giving him a versatile role in both live performances and studio work.
Gilly G
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- Full name: Gilly G
- Date of joining UB40: 2023
- Profession: MC, backing vocalist
Gilly G is a vibrant vocalist and MC who joined UB40 as a guest performer in 2018 before becoming a full member in 2023. Known for his toasting and backing vocals, Gilly G brings a lively, modern reggae energy to the band.
Jahred Gordon
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- Full name: Rajive “Jahred” Gordon
- Date of joining UB40: 2023
- Profession: Multi-instrumentalist
Jahred Gordon is one of the most versatile musicians in the new UB40 lineup, officially joining in 2023. He plays multiple instruments, including keyboards, guitar, bass, and saxophone, giving him the ability to fill different roles as needed. As one of the younger members, he represents UB40’s ongoing evolution and ability to adapt.
Matt Campbell
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- Full name: Matt Campbell
- Date of joining UB40: 2023
- Profession: Backing vocalist
Matt Campbell joined UB40 in 2023 as a backing vocalist. His addition strengthens UB40’s vocal harmonies and live sound, and his role supports lead vocalist Matt Doyle, helping recreate the rich layers of UB40’s classic tracks.
How old are UB40 members?
Only the ages of the founding members are publicly known. As of August 2025, the following are the ages of the surviving original members:
| Member | Date of birth | Age (as of August 2025) |
| Ali Campbell | 15 February 1959 | 66 years |
| Robin Campbell | 25 December 1954 | 70 years |
| Earl Falconer | 23 January 1957 | 68 years |
| Jimmy Brown | 20 November 1957 | 67 years |
| Norman Hassan | 26 January 1958 | 67 years |
| Michael Virtue | 19 January 1957 | 68 years |
How many UB40 members are left?
From the eight original members of UB40, only four founding members are left in the band. They are Robin Campbell, Earl Falconer, Jimmy Brown, and Norman Hassan.
How many UB40 members have died?
Two band members have sadly passed away. Founding saxophonist Brian Travers died in August 2021 after a battle with cancer, and Astro (Terence Wilson) passed away in November 2021 after a short illness.
Who are UB40 members now?
The current lineup includes four original members, Robin Campbell, Earl Falconer, Jimmy Brown, and Norman Hassan, and seven new members, Laurence Parry, Martin Meredith, Matt Doyle, Ian Thompson, Gilly G, Jahred Gordon, and Matt Campbell.
What is the difference between UB40 and UB40 featuring Ali Campbell?
UB40 is the main band led by the remaining original members, while UB40 featuring Ali Campbell is a splinter group formed by Ali Campbell, Astro, and Mickey Virtue after leaving the original lineup. Both groups perform UB40’s classic hits.
Why did Ali Campbell leave UB40?
Ali Campbell left UB40 in 2008, citing management and financial issues. He later formed a splinter group called UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, continuing to perform the band’s classic hits.
The original UB40 members built a legacy that continues to shape reggae music today. While some have passed on and others pursued different ventures, their impact remains undeniable. With both founding and new members on stage, the music of the current lineup still resonates across generations worldwide.
Legit.ng recently published an article about the Eagles band members. The American rock band was founded in 1971 in Los Angeles, California. With seven studio albums, the group achieved immense success and even won multiple awards, including six Grammys.
The Eagles' current lineup includes five members: Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, Deacon Frey, and Vince Gill. While Don is the only founding member, the others have each brought unique talents that shaped the band’s signature sound.
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