Ali took time out from his busy schedule to answer questions from fans, here are the results!
Q1. Ali, How do you compare working with UB40 to working on your own solo career? What are the pros and cons of working solo?
Jolene
Hi Jolene
All pros , no cons , working on the solo album , nocompromise , a relaxed , hassle free project, with delightful musicians and wonderful guest artists.
Q2. If Bob Marley was still alive and Ali was asked to do a duet with him, what song would he have most like to have sung with him and why?
Josie (Reggae Girl)
Hi Josie , I would love to have recorded Small Axe with him , one of my all time favourite lyrics written by Lee ‘Scratch ‘ Perry
Q3. When you were working on your new album, which of the artists you worked with was the most humorous?
Mags
Hi Mags , Robbie Shakespeare , without a doubt !!!
Q4. What made you decide to do the documentary for the running free album project????
Neptune Rose
Hi Neptune Rose
To give people a more candid view of the process.
Q5. Hi Ali, really excited about new albums. Best of luck with them x
What I would like to ask is, how do you feel about seeing the same faces at each concert? I know, like a lot of ’Loonies’, I try to fit as many in as possible without the risk of divorce, but take the likes of your last tour when us ’Tarts On Tour’ we’re there night after night. Do you enjoy it or think we are mad stalkers??
Once again, good luck and see you in 2 weeks 6 days (trust me we actually have a countdown calendar!) All the love and luck in the world
Geraldine (Homely Girl in Donegal, Ireland) xxxxxxxxxx
Hi Geraldine , I agree that you are mad , but it is lovely to see familiar faces in out of the way places
Q6. Ali, what is the difference in feeling or the vibe when you are writing and performing political songs versus lover’s rock songs? And, since you’ve always been an advocate for dub music, will there be any featured on the new album?
Baggariddim
Hi Baggariddim
There is plenty of Dub on Running Free and the new UB40 album . It’s easier to sing a song with conviction if I like the lyric whether they are political or lover’s rock songs.
Q7. I still want to know what chewing gum Ali chews?
Trident Mastication for the Nation !
Q8. And ............. When the boys are on tour the U.S. do they need to bring a kettle to make their tea? American’s somehow think you can make tea without ’boiling’ water!
Gail Le Page (seahorse)
Hi Gail
I go nowhere without my kettle , cup and tea kit . What a life saver !!
Q9. I have wondered how you would approach your second solo LP???
And after hearing the radio 2 interview & the line up I just wondered how it felt
To record with these stars????
Were you/they nervous at all??..
And how do you feel on the finished product?
From a fans point of view what I’ve heard I’m blown away & I hope your album & the new ub album get the airplay they deserve. Cant wait .....Big love
Robbie (rmd110900)
Hi Robbie , we were excited , not nervous , the whole thing was very relaxed that’s why it was a joy to do . How I feel about the finished product - Dubtastic !!!
Q 10. How often does Ali actually return to Birmingham?? Now that he lives
elsewhere ??
Debbie Bishop (clubreggae)
Hi Debbie
Our studios are in Birmingham , therefore I commute several times a week. I spend more time with Jed my driver than anyone else !!
Q 11. Ali, how do u feel being the lead singer of a band that has had so much success and great history, been around for so long, and campaigned for many human related issues?
RIAZ
Hi Riaz
Honoured and Tired !!
Q 12. Being the lead singer of UB40 that has had so much of success, how do you feel to be recognized as one of the world’s premier vocalists?
RIAZ
Hi again Riaz
Honoured and Ready !!
Q 13. With possibly only you and Robin having any musical background, how did the 8 of you actually learn to play your instruments, and actually make (good) music?
RIAZ
We are all self taught , with the exception of Brian who had lessons
Q 14. How did the idea of daughter Kibibi come about for her to duet with you on Something Stupid?
RIAZ
It’s a great song and she’s a great daughter and I thought we oughta !!
Q 15. What do the fans (especially the UBloonies) mean to you and the other guys?
RIAZ
How could I not love you ‘loonies’ ?
Q 16. What song does Ali think is the best song he ever recorded?
Norman Langden
Hi Norman
My favourite vocal to date is ‘Don’t Go’ on Running Free
Q 17. Hi Ali- My question is about photography at gig’s
I love photography (as a hobby) combine this with my love of ub40 for me taking pictures of you and the guys makes all my gig’s even better but, what’s your thoughts on the matter? Would you rather people like me stop taking pictures all the way through gigs or does it not bother you? I know the press etc have to stop taking pictures after the 3rd song of a gig, but I find the better pictures are the ones half way through a gig and towards the end esp when you do the things you do (excuse the pun lol)
Liz aka champane always with a camera :-)
Hi Liz
There is nothing more unflattering than a photo taken from beneath you ( from the orchestra pit) but my favourite photos are always the ‘live’ ones of us doing what we do best , taken from the side of the stage .
Q 18. Will this be a start of a new venture, will there be more Ali C solo albums to follow and singles, or is this a one off project with the chosen artists?
Bruno
Hi Bruno
I have plans for a further solo album, with more fabulous guests - watch this space
Q 19. Of all the many(!) incorrect things written about you in the press over the years, which one in particular has irked you the most and you would have it corrected?
Jacqui Errington (Jax SA)
Hi Jacqui
Being called a ‘white reggae band’ . It irks the black half of UB40 no end too !!
Q 20. "In all the years you have been together with UB40, what do you feel like your biggest achievement to date is and do you think that you can better that achievement on a personal level and from a band level"
Carlene
Hi Carlene
The biggest achievement , was recording Running Free and the new UB40 album at the same time !
Q 21. Being a father yourself what do you think is the problem with some kids today? You hear so much about nasty kids and kids doing unspeakable things, where do you think the problems start? If national service was brought back do you think that would make a difference? And does the music they listen too corrupt their minds? XX take care XX
Kim
Hi Kim
I’m against conscription , sadly today’s generation of kids have grown up listening to Gangsta lyrics , wearing hoodies and protecting their turf/area code. I think it is sad that we seem to be following in America’s segregated footsteps.
Q 22. Hi, my one question would be has he any regrets or missed opportunities?
Caz1303
Hi Caz
I regret missing many opportunities , through being drunk and out of my mind in the past . I am all better now though , thanks.
Q 23. My second question would be if he could choose anyone alive or dead which 12 people would he have to dinner?!!
Caz1303
Stick me in the middle of ‘The Last Supper’ and add Barabbas !
Q 24. Hello Ali, how is it to be seen as an inspiration for new reggae/dub artists, and, how was it to perform with Cas Haley on America Got Talent who sees you as one of his inspirations? Kind regards, Joris
Joris
Hi Joris
I’m very flattered , our mission was always to help popularize Reggae and Dub. Cas was a lovely fella , shame he lost out to a puppet .
Q 25. OOOH OOO..APART FROM WHY ON EARTH DID YOU GET MARRIED AGAIN BEFORE FINDING ME....LOL..THERE ARE SO MANY, HOW ABOUT WHICH SUPERMARKET IS HIS FAVOURITE...WHERE HE GETS HIS SHOPPING...TESCO, ASDA.. NETTO...ECT... ...ME BEING AN ASDA COLLEAGUE AND ALL..HA HA
Lisa Webster
Hi Lisa
It’s Waitrose <
Q 26. Ali, as UB40’s front man you will have had to take on a great deal of media work over the years like interviews for press/TV & Radio sessions & also photo shoots as well as greeting your fans at gigs. How do you feel you’ve coped with being famous & in the main limelight..... & how have you dealt with the media side of the music business, has it got easier over the years?
Nicola R
Hi Nicola
It has got easier over the years , but I’m still not totally at ease with it
Q27 Ali, Running Free the title track was written by Brian and he has written many UB40 tracks along the years. How dependent are you and the band on good song writing and do lyrics prompt you in the way you put the melody down? (PS. I still think we should have called it Flying High!)
Reza
Shut up Reza , Ha Ha ..... Big Love .... Ali
