UB40's Ali Campbell is leaving the band he helped form 3 decades ago over what he calls "intolerable management".
Campbell has issued a statement to set the record straight after band management announced his departure first to the BBC without consulting him."Contrary to some of the misleading, false information and accusations that have been circulating in recent months, the reason for my forthcoming departure from the band is NOT, as has been stated, due to my wanting to pursue a solo career," he said in a statement.
With blunt honesty, he then added that, "the reason for me leaving the band is that management difficulties, which have been ongoing for almost 5 years, had become intolerable. I have been deeply unhappy with the administrative practices and with many decisions that have been made in recent years regarding the band and I have an ongoing investigation into the handling of my business affairs in relation UB40. Suffice to say I felt I had no other option but to resign from my band".
He had nothing but positive things to say about the band. "I know UB40 will carry on successfully without me," he said "and I wish them all the very best - they have been my family for the last 28 years and will always be my brothers".
Ali will leave UB40 after the Australian and New Zealand tour as well as a one-off show in Uganda.
His final show will be February 23rd in Kampala, Uganda.
UB40 will hit the southern Pacific on February 2nd when they play New Zealand.
The Australian tour will start on February 2nd.
