Open brief van Ali Campbell

We would like to make it known , that Ali was completely unaware that Reflex intended to make this announcement last night straight to the BBC . He had not seen the press release and had no knowledge of what it contained . It would have been his choice to inform the fans who have supported the band first , ahead of the media , but unfortunately , he was not given that opportunity and that was not his decision.

However Ali has asked that we post this open letter from him on the website this morning.

As one of the founder members of UB40, I have put the band first in my life for the last 28 years and am deeply saddened at the ending of that relationship. No words can express how upset I feel today that I have been forced to make this decision.

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.

However, I feel that it is important for me to put the record straight on my reasons for leaving the band.

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. That is not the truth!! I released my first solo album 13 years ago and when I released my current solo album I had every intention to continuing to balance my solo career with my commitment to the band.

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.

This decision has not been taken lightly and has come as a result of a long, painful and agonizing thought process.

I know UB40 will carry on successfully without me and I wish them all the very best - they have been my family for the last 28 years and will always be my brothers.

Big Love

Ali