UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro release new track ahead of upcoming album
The song has been released in tribute to Astro
Last updated 4th May 2022
Reggae group UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro have just released a brand new song ahead of their upcoming album 'Unprecedented'. The new track is called 'We'll Never Find Another Love' and captures the classic reggae sound the group has always been known for.
The group is set to release their upcoming album on 17th June, and the new song was released on 3rd May as a tribute to the late musician Astro.
A clip of the reggae track was posted to the band's official Instagram account along with the exciting announcement that the song is now out. The caption says: 'IT’S HERE! 🎉 – our brand new single We'll Never Find Another Love from our upcoming album Unprecedented is out now. Big Love ❤️💛💚'.
The song was released along with a music video that shows the band jamming in a red-lit studio.
Watch 'We'll Never Find Another Love' by UB40 Ft. Ali Campbell and Astro:
Long-time band member Astro, real name Terence Wilson, sadly passed away in November last year at the age of 64, following a short illness. His death came shortly after the band had finished making 'Unprecedented'.
Speaking about paying tribute to Astro, Ali Campbell said: "Astro's death came as such a shock, and I'm still reeling from it.
"This album is now more poignant and special than either of us could have imagined when we were recording it. Astro heartbreakingly passed just two weeks after we'd finished the final mixes, so this is a way of keeping his memory alive."
The album will include covers of popular hits and reggae classics as well as a number of new songs.
'Unprecedented' tracklist:
- 'What Have I Done'
- 'We'll Never Find Another Love'
- 'Unprecedented'
- 'Sunday Morning Coming Down'
- 'Emperors Wore No Clothes'
- 'Sufferer'
- 'Heaven In Her Eyes'
- 'Do Yourself A Favour'
- 'Happy Includes Everyone'
- 'Stay Another Day'
- 'Lean On Me'
- 'Mellow'
- 'Caught You In A Lie'
Take a look at UB40 through the years:
1978 - UB40 formed
UB40 formed in 1978 in Birmingham, made up of friends Ali Campbell, Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer, Yomi Babayemi, Norman Hassan, Brain Travers, Jimmy Lynn and Robin Campbell.
The line-up changed in 1979 with Yomi Babayemi and Jimmy Lynn leaving and Mickey Virtue and Astro joining the band.
1980 - UB40 release their debut single
The band released their debut single 'King b/w Food For Thought' which made it to Number 5 in the UK Charts. They were also invited to tour with The Pretenders when Chrissie Hynde saw them performing at a pub in the spring of 1980.
1980 - UB40 release their debut album
UB40 released their first album 'Signing Off' in 1980. It went to Number 2 in the UK Charts, and stayed in the Charts for 71 weeks. At the time of recording, the band couldn't afford a studio so the album was recorded in a bedsit with some of the band playing in the kitchen and others in the back garden.
1980 - UB40 formed their own record company
1980 also saw UB40 end their previous recording contract and form their own record company, with the shares split equally between all eight band members. The record company was called DEP International.
1983 - UB40 release 'Labour of Love'
In 1983, UB40 released their fourth album 'Labour of Love', it was a covers project and included their reggae version of 'Red Red Wine' which was originally sang by Neil Diamond. The song went to Number 1 in the UK Singles Chart and Neil Diamond says he's a fan of this version.
1988 - UB40 go on world tours
Following several successful album releases and international recognition, UB40 was consistently touring across the world in the late 80s. After they finished touring, the band took a break, and during this time several band members worked on solo projects.
1988 - UB40 perform at Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert
UB40 performed with The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde at the Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute concert held at Wembley Stadium in 1988.
2008 - Ali Campbell leaves UB40
Ali Campbell chose to leave UB40 in 2008 and started his solo career. He had already released his debut solo album 'Big Love' during the band's hiatus, and his brother Duncan replaced him in the band.
Keyboardist Micky Virtue also left the group shortly after.
2011 - UB40 are honoured with PRS for Music Heritage Award
In 2011, UB40 were honoured with a PRS for Music Heritage Award for their contribution to music. A plaque commemorating the award was added at the Hare & Hounds pub in Birmingham, the site of UB40's first gig on 9th February 1979.
2014 - UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue form
In 2013, Astro left the band as he had concerns over the direction the band was heading in. He joined up with former UB40 members Micky Virtue and Ali Campbell to create UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue.
Both bands continued making music and performing under their respective names.
2021 - Brian Travers dies
Saxophonist and founding member of UB40 Brain Travers sadly passed away on 22nd August 2021 following a three-year battle with cancer.
2021 - Astro dies
Terence Wilson, better known as Astro, sadly passed away on 6th November 2021 at the age of 64 after a short illness.
2022 - Ali Campbell goes on tour
Ali Campbell and Astro were due to perform across in the UK in 2021, but the shows were postponed due to Covid-19. Following Astro's death, fans were uncertain whether the rescheduled shows would go ahead. Ali confirmed that he would go ahead with the shows in honour of his bandmate. Ali is on tour under the name UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, with several festival shows planned for the UK in 2022.
2022 - UB40 celebrate 45th anniversary with album and tour
To celebrate their 45th anniversary, UB40 announced their new album 'UB45' which is due for release in early 2023 as well as a tour across the UK and Ireland.
2022 - UB40 perform at the Commonwealth Games
As well as creating the official anthem of the Commonwealth Games 'Champion', UB40 also performed at the Closing Ceremony on 8th August. Appearing at Alexander Stadium in their hometown, the group played their hit song 'Red Red Wine'.
2023 - UB40 honoured on the Music Walk of Fame
UB40 were honoured on the Music Walk of Fame in 2023. They will receive a stone to mark the occasion in Camden, London.
The group was due to go on tour in 2021 but due to Covid-19 and Astro's passing the dates were pushed back. Ali Campbell has chosen to go ahead with the performances in honour of his bandmate and he is currently on tour in the US. UB40 featuring Ali Campbell is set to come to the UK in June 2022 to play at a number of festivals.
In a statement, Ali said: "I can’t wait to get back on stage and see all our wonderful fans. It’s going to be incredibly difficult without Astro by my side. Remembering Astro, let the music play on."
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