UB40 film: Ali Campbell confirms movie biopic is being made to tell his side of the story

26 May 2020, 17:51

UB40's Ali Campbell has revealed he is teaming up with Bill Curbishley, the producer of Quadrophenia, to create a UB40 biopic.

The 61-year-old lead singer and his manager are working on the new movie which will see Ali share his side of the story.

Fans of the band will know that it has never been plain sailing within the group who have been at war with each other over the right to use the band's name when they tour.

Ali left the band in 2008, due to a dispute with management, and he's been doing solo tours.

In 2014, he started performing as UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey, as he reunited with his bandmates, but they weren't allowed to simply call themselves UB40 after facing legal action.

Ali Campbell - Red Red Wine

Speaking to reporters, Ali said: "I'm talking to Bill Curbishley, who manages us.

"He made Tommy and Quadrophenia (with The Who), so I'm always badgering him to be involved in getting a script done.

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"Everyone says, 'You have to make a movie because a lot of what has happened, you couldn't make it up - it beggars belief.

"So once somebody gets their teeth into the project, it will happen and it would be good."

The 'Red Red Wine' singer went on to tell the Daily Star that he won't be asking his siblings for permission for the biopic.

Ali Campbell - Baby Come Back ft. Pato Banton

Ali continued: "I wouldn't bother trying to get rights.

"I would tell it how it was instead of all the crap written from their side. It would be great."

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Fans can also expect a new record from UB40 featuring Ali, Astro and Mickey.

Ali said: "Astro and I have been writing, so it will be reggae, of course.

"The stuff we put down already sounds fresh and different. It will be both covers and originals."