UB40's Ali Campbell denies he left band for solo career
UB40 have confirmed lead singer Ali Campbell is leaving the group after almost 30 years and 70 million record sales. Campbell, who sang on chart-toppers including ‘Red, Red Wine’, is said to be leaving to concentrate on solo projects. Pic: PA Photos
Singer says managerial and financial issues caused departure
Ali Campbell has denied he quit UB40 to pursue a solo career as initially suggested, but claimed he could no longer work with the band’s business and financial management team.
The frontman's representatives, Hextalls, state his solo career has been ongoing for more than 13 years and did not conflict with the band.
“References to Ali Campbell leaving UB40 to pursue a solo career are erroneous and misleading,” they said in a statement. “Ali Campbell has been requesting financial and other information from the business managers of UB40 for a number of years through appointed representatives and now through Hextalls.
"There has been a complete failure to supply any adequate financial information, causing Ali Campbell to question why it is being withheld particularly when so much time has passed. It is this failure that has led to the breakdown between Ali Campbell and the business managers of UB40 and ultimately to Ali Campbell’s departure.”
These business managers are not members of the band and are yet to comment, reports CMJ Daily.
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The frontman's representatives, Hextalls, state his solo career has been ongoing for more than 13 years and did not conflict with the band.
“References to Ali Campbell leaving UB40 to pursue a solo career are erroneous and misleading,” they said in a statement. “Ali Campbell has been requesting financial and other information from the business managers of UB40 for a number of years through appointed representatives and now through Hextalls.
"There has been a complete failure to supply any adequate financial information, causing Ali Campbell to question why it is being withheld particularly when so much time has passed. It is this failure that has led to the breakdown between Ali Campbell and the business managers of UB40 and ultimately to Ali Campbell’s departure.”
These business managers are not members of the band and are yet to comment, reports CMJ Daily.
The Shockwaves NME Awards 2008 are coming soon – and it’s time to have your say. Vote now by heading to NME.COM/awardsvote and you could win VIP tickets to the ceremony, which takes place in London on February 28.
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