ALI Campbell– the legendary voice of UB40 has purposely chosen the world’s most exotic locations to play over the years.

Last year’s Red, Red, Winery Tour was indeed, a tour of beautiful vineyards. But he doesn’t have to travel far for his next big gig – he can see it from his garden!

Speaking to The Daily Echo ahead of his performance at the Isle of Wight Festival he said: “I live looking over The Needles by Avon Beach. I’ve been living in Christchurch for a decade and I really love it round here and down by the sea. I know we are part of Highcliffe where 90 per cent of the population is over 70 but it’s great!

“My tours have been a way of combining my love of reggae music with stunning venues. We used to follow scuba diving and mountain biking spots on tour back in the day. We play all the beautiful places in Australia and California but the Isle of Wight is a real high spot.”

UB40 have sold more than 70 million records and had more than 50 singles in the UK Singles Chart, including huge hits like Red Red Wine, One in Ten, Can’t Help Falling In Love, Breakfast in Bed and Many Rivers to Cross. Ali promises fans all the hits live this weekend.

And he looks likely to have lots of family members with him. He has eight children aged from 30 down to 13 years.

Famously named after a document issued to people claiming unemployment benefit, UB40’s first album, Signing Off, was recorded in a Birmingham bedsit.

Some 35 years on UB40 are one of the most popular festival bands.

“We do a lot of festivals because we have a lot of hits – 40 top 20 hits since 1980. We were the most prolific band of the 1980’s and did more world tours than anyone else.”

This weekend Ali promises all the crowd-pleasers: “ We do what we know people want to hear. There will be tracks from the latest album Silhouette but mostly the greatest hits album. I’ve seen quite a few great acts at festivals who play their latest album and ignore the hits which goes down like a brick!”

Of course UB40 was torn apart by a bitter wrangle which left two rival acts both using the famous name.

His brothers, Duncan and Robin Campbell, to whom Ali has not spoken for years, also use the name.

Ali, 56, left in 2008 after 30 years.

Asked about this thorny subject , Ali is very open: “Anyone coming to see us play is coming to see UB40 featuring Ali Campbell, Astro and Mickey Virtue. They were trying to sue us for passing off as UB40 but we don’t want people to think we are them with their awful country album!”

Ali refers to the other UB40 as “the dark side”.

“When ‘the dark side’ decided to make a country album that’s what made Astro leave.

“The ‘dark side’ said I left to launch a solo career which is nonsense. My first solo album was in 1994 and if I’d wanted to leave I would have then. It was 2008 when I left. It’s old news but a lot of people don’t know I’ve left even now so it’s important to let people know.”

So could there ever be a reunion?

“I wouldn’t go back because musically I’ve been on a journey: I’ve just produced ten tracks in three days on an acoustic album. The radio is always asking us to play acoustic sessions unplugged. I’m so proud of Silhouette – I think it’s the best production in 30 years. We are a reggae band and that’s what I’m always going to be.”

Ali says it was “very acrimonious” when he left the band but he “maintained a dignified silence”.

However, he claims the ‘dark side’ “bullied” his fans online which prompted him to write the song ‘Cyber Bully Boys’ on the album.

“I don’t think a reunion will ever happen. There’s too much water under the bridge and I wouldn’t want to work on stage with them.”

As for now Ali is very upbeat.

“It’s all very positive. We are having a great time. Since we came back about 18 months ago fans have been quite emotional. We’ve been taken aback by the reaction of the audiences.

At some point I will put up my resignation letter on social media! I wrote it when I left but I’ve resisted saying it. Since I left I’ve been a lot happier and done four albums and it’s all on the up for me.

“I’ve got a lovely wife and wonderful kids and I’m still doing what I started doing.

“I’m on my 32nd album and still touring the world so I can’t complain!

“I’m 56 now and a grandad. With reggae music it’s not about being young, trendy and good looking.

“It’s about the music you make.”