2007, USA
Biography, Documentary, Music
REPRINTED FROM The Desert Sun:
What reggae band doesn’t start a scandal with a little weed?
For British band UB40, it was just such trouble that kept them from touring the States. As travel restrictions tightened in the shadow of 9/11, one of the band members was refused entry to the United States based on a minor marijuana-growing infraction. In such a tight-knit band, if one of them doesn’t tour, none of them tour.
When self-proclaimed “closet UB40 fan” and KMIR6 News co-anchor Tom Jordan realized they weren’t touring locally, he decided to get to the bottom of things. What began as an Internet inquiry resulted in a labor of love (ahem) to present this band in the spot light they deserve.
Jordan had presumed UB40 was boycotting the States for political reasons, which would be fitting considering their songs of strife and injustice. Most Americans (writer included) associate the band with covers of Neil Diamond and Sonny and Cher. But as true fans know, UB40 stays close to their roots in an attempt to give a voice to those in need.
In fact, the band never left their hometown of Birmingham, England, and continue to record at their headquarters in one of the poorest parts of town. Raised on limited means, they named their band after the Unemployment Benefit Form 40. Many of their songs are infused with a cry for a change to the system.
And who should know better how to fight The Man while harmonizing than the sons of folk singer Ian Campbell? Though brothers Ali and Robin could naturally carry a tune, neither they nor their friends could play an instrument. Determined to make it regardless, they promoted their band before playing a note and thrust themselves into a musical career. 28 years and as many albums later, the eight original members are still performing together.
“They’re not just some white reggae pop band,” Jordan says of the misconception based on the red-headed lead and his preference for “Red, Red Wine.” True followers of the band know there is nothing shallow behind the catchy beat.
“That’s what UB40 does: pretty depressing lyrics indeed to a cute melody,” says front man Ali Campbell. Their latest album, “Who You Fighting For?” questions the politics of the Iraq War, and previous albums confronted poverty and hard times.
A tighter overall focus of the documentary would have been appreciated, as delving deeper into the stories behind their politics rather than summing up each and every year of their career may have resulted in a cleaner film.
In order to get a feel for these hometown boys in their natural habitat, Jordan hopped a flight for Birmingham and began the filming process with a two-man crew -- only himself and a photographer. He shows what he knows from his years on television, and the documentary often feels made for TV. But effectively so, and most viewers should leave with a greater appreciation for the band’s intense work ethic and thoughtful lyrics.