Ali Campbell: 'I Didn't Leave UB40 For Solo Career'

Former UB40 frontman Ali Campbell has written an open letter saying that his departure from the band was not in order to fulfil his solo career, contrary to what a statement had suggested.

Campbell also says that he had no knowledge that the band’s management company, Reflex, had intended to announce his departure from the band last night (January 25th).

“No words can express how upset I feel today that I have been forced to make this decision,” Campbell said of hearing the news.

“I am perhaps most upset on behalf of the fans, who have stuck with us, through thick and thin, throughout the years and are the best fans in the world.”

In the letter Campbell, who released his first solo album 13 years ago, says that he “had every intention” to continue balancing his solo career with his role in the band.

The singer cited "intolerable" management difficulties as the main reason for his resignation.

He added that he is currently involved in an ongoing investigation into the handling of his business affairs in relation to UB40.

“I have been deeply unhappy with the administrative practices and with many decisions that have been made in recent years regarding the band,” he said.