An outraged UB40 have released a statement to their official website, stressing their annoyance at the move by former band mates to use the UB40 brand name, business and legacy in a new music industry venture.
The statement included the following:
“As our fans know, Ali Campbell left UB40 six years ago citing issues with the band’s management, and has since pursued a solo career. In that time, Ali has repeatedly attempted to discredit his brothers and former band mates, through the media and otherwise, but this latest attempt to confuse and manipulate UB40′s fans is, frankly, pathetic. We are disappointed that he feels it necessary to behave in this way and equally disappointed that Astro has joined with him."
They went on to explain how the five founding members of the band - Robin Campbell, Brian Travers, Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer and Norman Hassan - would be touring this year through venues in the UK in March and April.
They also announced that they had added extra dates to their tour.
"For all genuine UB40 dates please go to our official website, Facebook and Twitter pages at www.UB40.co.uk , facebook.com/ub40official and @UB40official."
They signed off with a legal threat; “As for Ali, Mickey and Astro, the matter is now in the hands of our lawyers”.
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