Posted January 25, 200817 yr UB40 singer departs 09:39 | Friday January 25, 2008 Source: MW By Ben Cardew UB40 have parted company with lead singer Ali Campbell after thirty years together, following Campbell’s wish to focus more time on his solo career. Campbell's final dates with the band will be in Australia, New Zealand and Uganda in February 2008 Campbell embarked upon a solo career last year, with the result - according to the band’s statement - that his time and commitment to UB40 began to conflict with his recording work and promotional commitments. The band’s spokesman says, “Ali Campbell has taken the decision to focus on his solo career and in doing so, could not give his full commitment to UB40. The other band members of UB40 are naturally disappointed and saddened after being together as a band unit and as good friends and a ‘family unit’ for almost thirty years.” He adds, "UB40 will continue to record and perform with the existing seven members. UB40 has never been about any one individual, but more a collective of band members, who have all contributed to create the unique sound that UB40 have become renowned for over the last three decades" A decision on replacing Campbell has not yet been made by the other seven band members. The band’s next studio album - 24/7 - recorded with Campbell - will go ahead as planned for release in May this year on the band’s own Reflex Music label.
January 25, 200817 yr Ali Campbell has been refuting this on local Midlands TV. He maintains that he isn’t quitting to concentrate on a solo career. He says that he has been forced to quit after being left in the dark by UB40 management as to his finances. He says he has written all the tracks on the latest UB40 album as he normally does. He is very sad about the whole situation which he says is completely down to management who are refuting his claims so we’ll have to wait and see what happens.
January 26, 200817 yr however good or bad UB40 / Ali Campbell have been in the past - dont think the world needs another one of his star filled (well usual smooth radio soulsters types) solo albums tho if he was to do a Bubbling Hot covers album with Mr Pato Banton might be interesting with covers of Shaggy's Mr Boombastic, Peter Andre's Mysterious Girl and Suggs' Cecelia
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