The Ballymena Protestant Boys, often referred to as the "Proddy Boys," is a blood-and-thunder flute band formed in 1997. Locally, the band is recognised for its strong Loyalist ties, with many in the community associating it with the Ulster Defence Association (UDA), a Loyalist paramilitary group known for organised crime, drug trafficking, and sectarian violence.
In 2019, Darren Campbell was filmed playing the flute with this band during a parade in Ballymena. While playing in a band doesn’t automatically imply involvement in paramilitary activity, the Proddy Boys’ well-known connection to the UDA is no secret in the Ballymena area.
Not from Northern Ireland?
The UDA, formed in 1971, is a Loyalist paramilitary group infamous for its violent campaign during the Troubles in Northern Ireland. The UDA was heavily involved in bombings, assassinations, and later organised crime.
One local source shared:
“The Proddy Boys are a band linked to the UDA. Not everyone in the band is involved in the UDA, but they’re playing UDA-aligned tunes at parades, and prominent UDA members are often seen marching alongside them.”
In the video, Darren and the band are seen performing a tune described as "We’re Coming Down the Road," a song reportedly associated with the UDA. The footage has raised questions about Darren’s connections and whether FBABB clients are aware of this aspect of his background.
You can skip ahead to 2 minutes 30 seconds to see an appearance from Darren Campbell. The video is also available on YouTube until someone decides to delete it.
Oh, hello Ryan Stewart. Is that you in the background of the parade as well?
Update: Ballymena Protestant Boys Respond to Allegations
In response to our article, the Ballymena Protestant Boys have issued a public statement via Facebook addressing the claims made. The band described any alleged links between themselves and the individuals’ current activities as “wholly untrue and laughable.”
The band further emphasised their ongoing commitment to promoting loyalty and community education, strongly denouncing any attempts to connect them to unrelated controversies. They stated they are “not ashamed of the band’s past” and remain proud of their contributions to the local community.
Alan Rainey and The Bamber Brothers
Adding to the controversy, Alan Rainey (brother to Mark Rainey of SEA UDA), a member of Darren’s FBABB team, is also visible in the background of the same video. Alan’s involvement with the Proddy Boys further raises questions about the kind of individuals FBABB is recruiting.
For potential clients, this revelation brings up an important question: Do you really know who you’re trusting with your money?
Beyond his connection to the Proddy Boys, Darren Campbell’s past ties to the Bamber brothers—Melvyn and Mark—reveal a troubling chapter in his history.
The Bambers, both with criminal records for violent assaults, reportedly employed Darren as a cocaine dealer for years before he launched FBABB. According to local sources, Darren cut ties with the brothers after a childhood friend, nicknamed “Spud,” tragically died from drugs linked to the Bambers. While Darren was not directly involved in the incident, the event is said to have marked a turning point for him.
A source familiar with Darren’s past explained:
“He sold cocaine for years. Everyone in Ballymena knows this. He only distanced himself from the Bambers after Spud died and the community was up in arms.”
(Alan Rainey, pictured at The Proddy Boys parade)
Gambling, Violence, and Obsession with Money
Darren’s fixation on money has been well-documented, with sources recalling his almost constant presence in bookmakers or glued to gambling apps on his phone. This obsession with money extended well beyond betting slips. Darren reportedly financed his gambling and lifestyle by dealing cocaine in Ballymena for years before launching FBA Brand Builder. Multiple sources have alleged that Darren wasn’t acting alone—he was connected to the South East Antrim UDA, a paramilitary group infamous for organised crime, including drug trafficking and money laundering.
One particularly disturbing claim suggests Darren laundered money for the UDA, channelling the proceeds of drug sales through seemingly legitimate routes. While these allegations remain unverified, they echo the rumours of Darren’s strong ties to the UDA through his involvement with the Ballymena Protestant Boys flute band. These connections and his alleged activities paint a much darker picture of Darren’s life before FBABB—a world where financial desperation and dangerous affiliations seem to have set the stage for his current ventures.
Darren’s temper and violent tendencies have also surfaced in one particularly infamous incident in Ballymena recalls a confrontation on a football pitch that escalated later in a shop, where Darren was attacked and left with a broken jaw by Paddy Hudson.
A source shared:
“He was a hothead on and off the pitch. The broken jaw was karma for the people he’d wronged.”
FBABB’s Misleading Practices
Darren Campbell’s personal history is concerning enough, but the values he’s carried into FBABB further underscore a troubling lack of ethical standards.
- Exploitation of Team Members: Darren’s team includes individuals like Jordan McClean, whose failed Amazon brand and questionable PPC expertise were recently exposed.
- Misleading Success Stories: Darren frequently uses cherry-picked or exaggerated client stories—such as those of Daz Tweed and Nicole Caldwell—to market FBABB as a guaranteed path to success.
- Lack of Transparency: From his connections in Dubai to the program’s opaque financial practices, FBABB has been dogged by allegations of hidden costs, inflated claims, and secrecy.
Do Clients Know the Full Story?
Many FBABB clients likely sign up believing they’re joining a legitimate mentorship program led by seasoned entrepreneurs. But the reality is far more complicated. Darren Campbell’s troubling past, the questionable backgrounds of his team members, and the program’s shady practices all raise serious red flags.
By handing over thousands to join FBABB, clients could unknowingly be funding a program led by individuals linked to paramilitary groups, criminal activities, and deeply unethical business practices.
The revelations about Darren Campbell’s past, including his involvement with the Proddy Boys and alleged ties to the UDA, paint a damning picture of the man behind FBABB. When combined with his history of drug dealing, gambling, and violent incidents, it’s clear he’s far from the “self-made entrepreneur” he claims to be.
As Darren rolls out his revamped program, featuring the same team members linked to these allegations, prospective clients should seriously ask themselves: Are these the people you want to trust with your business and your money?