UB40

UB40's music has often tackled social issues such as racism and unemployment. Joe Walsh had a very brief cameo in the movie "The Blues Brothers". Their new injection of life into so many old Jamaican hits has resulted in many musicians and producers renewed popularity and income. A versatile guitarist, Walsh' abilities on acoustic, electric, and slide guitar also have made him well-regarded as a featured player or guest soloist; Walsh has recorded and performed with many other artists including Dan Fogelberg and Steve Winwood. Many of UB40's later recordings were inspired by 1960's ska and early lovers rock songs that would have otherwise been forgotten in the public eye. Walsh would continue to record and release albums throughout the 1980s but musical trends had passed him by and he would maintain a very low profile until the late-1990s Eagles reunion and tour. They have had a number of hits, most commercially and to amusement of the band, "Red Red Wine", a cover version of a Neil Diamond song (in an arrangement similar to that of Tony Tribe's version). As the Eagles sputtered to an end a couple of years later, Walsh re-ignited his solo career with the well-received discs But Seriously Folks (1978) and There Goes the Neighborhood (1981).

The band purchased its first instruments with compensation money Ali Campbell received after a bar fight. Walsh brought a harder-edged sound to the Eagles and contributed heavily to the sound of their hugely successful album Hotel California. Its members include:. After releasing another studio album and a live set, Walsh was invited to join The Eagles in 1976, replacing departing guitarist Bernie Leadon. Other artists that UB40 have collaborated with include: Pato Banton, Bitty McLean, Chrissie Hynde and Afrika Bambaataa. Several cuts from these albums, notably "Rocky Mountain Way", received heavy airplay and continue to be classic rock favorites. Their early music style was unique, with a heavy influence of analogue synthesizers, psychedelic rock guitar, saxophone and Dub Reggae producer techniques which were later perfected by the late Pablo Falconer. Walsh's solo debut, Barnstorm (1972) and its followup, The Smoker You Drink, The Player You Get (1973) cemented Walsh's reputation as an inventive rocker whose dry sense of humor and reputation as a party animal often made their way into his songs.

UB40 were influenced by the many Blues Parties they attended as teenagers in multiracial Birmingham, their love of ska and reggae inspired such original tracks as "King", "Madam Medusa", "Ivory Madonna", "Signing Off" and "One in Ten", later covered by 808 State. The James Gang had several minor hits and became an early Album Oriented Rock staple before Walsh left the group in 1971 for a career as a solo artist. for claiming unemployment benefits (UB40 = Unemployment Benefits, Form 40). Walsh was the standout of the band, noted for his innovative rhythm playing and creative riffs. The band is named from the paper form issued by the U.K. A native of Wichita, Kansas, Walsh spent time in various bands while attending Kent State University, but came to widespread attention in 1969 as a founding member and lead guitarist for The James Gang, a rare American power trio. The band may be the world's most culturally diverse dub reggae band with English, Turkish, Welsh, African and Jamaican parentage musicians. Joe Walsh (born November 20, 1947) is an American guitarist and rock musician.

UB40 is a popular dub reggae / reggae pop music band formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England. Homegrown (2003),UK #49. Cover Up (2001), UK #29. The Very Best of UB40 (2000), UK #7.

Labour of Love III (1998), UK #8. UB40 Present the Dancehall Album (1998). Guns in the Ghetto (1997), UK #7. The Best of UB40 - Volume Two (1995), UK #12.

Promises and Lies (1993), UK #1. Labour of Love II (1989), UK #3. UB40 (album)|UB40 (1988), UK #12. The Best of UB40 - Volume One (1987), UK #3.

UB40 CCCP: Live in Moscow (1987); Live in Moscow, Russia 1986. Rat in the Kitchen (1986), UK #8. Baggariddim (1985), UK #14. Geffery Morgan (1984), UK #3.

Labour of Love (1983), UK #1. UB40 Live (1983), UK #44. UB44 (1982), UK #4. Present Arms in Dub (1981), UK #38.

Present Arms (1981), UK #2. Signing Off (1980), UK #2. Pablo Falconer (producer). Astro (toasting vocals).

Terence Wilson (percussion, trumpet). Mickey Virtue (keyboards). Brian Travers (saxophone). Norman Hassan (percussion).

Earl Falconer (Bass guitar, vocals). Robin Campbell (lead guitar, vocals). Ali Campbell (guitar, lead vocals). Jim Brown (drums).