UB40’s Ali Campbell Breaks Silence On Devastating Deaths in Band and Rift With Brother
UB40 frontman Ali Campbell has finally opened up about the tragic losses and personal struggles that have shaped the band’s turbulent history. In an emotional and candid interview, the reggae legend discussed the devastating deaths of bandmates, his ongoing rift with his brother and former UB40 member Robin Campbell, and how he continues to push forward with his music.
For more than four decades, UB40 has been a cornerstone of reggae music, known for chart-topping hits like “Red Red Wine” and “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Yet, behind the band’s success lies a history marked by pain, loss, and internal conflict.
The Tragic Loss of Bandmates
The band has endured significant losses over the years, most notably the deaths of saxophonist Brian Travers, who passed away in 2021 from cancer, and Astro, the charismatic vocalist and founding member, who died unexpectedly later the same year. Ali spoke with a mixture of sadness and fondness about the impact these losses had on him personally and professionally.
“Brian and Astro weren’t just bandmates; they were my brothers,” Ali shared. “Brian was there from the very beginning, crafting our sound and shaping who we were as a group. His creativity and passion were unmatched. Losing him to cancer was heartbreaking, but it was something we saw coming after his diagnosis. With Astro, it was different—his death was so sudden and shocking. One moment he was here, and the next he was gone. It left a massive void in my life and in the band.”
Ali revealed how their deaths forced him to confront his own mortality and reflect on the legacy they all worked so hard to build. “You never think you’ll have to say goodbye to your friends so soon. It’s a stark reminder of how precious life is,” he said.
Travers and Astro were instrumental in defining UB40’s unique blend of reggae and pop, and their absence continues to resonate within the group. Ali noted that honoring their contributions has become a driving force in his current work. “Every performance, every song we play, I feel them with me. It’s like they’re still here, guiding us through.”
A Family Rift That Divided UB40
While the loss of bandmates weighs heavily on Ali, the rift with his brother Robin remains a deep source of pain. The Campbell brothers, once united as the core of UB40, became estranged after a bitter split in 2008. Ali left the band, citing issues with management and financial disputes, and went on to form his own version of UB40, leading to a schism that divided fans and created lasting tension within the family.
“It’s heartbreaking when family becomes divided like this,” Ali admitted. “Robin and I were inseparable growing up, and music was our shared passion. But when money and egos come into play, it can tear even the closest relationships apart.”
Ali described the split as one of the most difficult decisions of his life. “I didn’t want to leave, but I felt like I had no choice. The band wasn’t being managed properly, and I couldn’t stand by and watch something we worked so hard to build fall apart.”
The feud has persisted over the years, with both brothers publicly trading barbs and staking their claim to UB40’s legacy. Robin remains with the original UB40 lineup, while Ali has toured and recorded with his own version of the band, often featuring Astro before his passing.
When asked if there was any hope for reconciliation, Ali hesitated before responding. “I’d like to think that one day we can put it all behind us, but it’s hard to say. There’s a lot of hurt and anger on both sides. I miss my brother, though.