Now Virtue follows Campbell out of UB40

Mar 19 2008

The keyboard player of Birmingham reggae band UB40 has left the group, weeks after the departure of lead singer Ali Campbell, claiming that he, too, is unhappy with the band's management.

Michael Virtue announced that he was "extremely disappointed" to be leaving the band, but was not satisfied with the handling of their finances.

He said in a statement: "I can no longer work with the management team and I am joining Ali Campbell in his investigation into the handling of the band's business affairs.

"I am very upset to be leaving the band, who have been like family for the last 30 years, but feel under the circumstances that this was the only option left open to me.

"I have been unhappy with the way things have been run for many years and wanted to get to the bottom of the band's business affairs, which I have been unable to do."

Campbell, 48, left UB40 in January, citing difficulties with the band's management, but played final dates in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa during February.

Virtue's statement continued: "Ali has had no contact with the band since the last UB40 concert in Uganda so I called him last week and asked to speak with him.

"I have now had a meeting with the same legal team, Hextalls LLP, who are representing Ali and are now also representing me."

The band released their own statement in January, blaming Campbell for the split.

"UB40 have today confirmed that they have parted company with lead singer Ali Campbell after a 30-year career together, following Campbell's wish to focus more time on his solo career," it said.

"Ali had embarked upon a solo album project, Running Free, last year and throughout the course of this album, his time and commitment to the band began to conflict with his recording work, promotional commitments and his own corporate shows."

But Virtue said today: "It certainly cannot be said that I am leaving to pursue a solo career and neither did Ali. Suffice to say, I am extremely disappointed."

The band - named after a 1980s DHSS form - have sold 70 million albums worldwide.  They have had three number ones - Red Red Wine, I Got You Babe and (I Can't Help) Falling In Love With You