The five – Robin Campbell, Brian Travers, James Brown, Earl Falconer and Norman Hassan – say in a statement following the announcement by three former members of UB40 of their intention to perform live under the name “UB40” for several shows in South Africa that they would like to make it known to all UB40 fans in South Africa that the current shows being advertised at several venues in South Africa as “UB40 shows”, are NOT genuine.
They say “three former members of UB40, Ali Campbell, Astro and Michael Virtue are fraudulently masquerading as UB40… 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 bandmates, through the media and otherwise. However, this latest attempt to confuse and hoodwink UB40’s fans is an act of desperation- assisted by Astro, Michael Virtue and the promoter “Seed Experiences”.
They say while these actions are highly immoral, they are also illegal. The five warn that they will take this matter to the courts.
The “real” UB40 is currently talking to their regular promoter, Attie Van Wyk of Big Concerts, and intend to tour SA soon.
