Members of UB40 are seeking legal advice after three former bandmates - Ali Campbell, Mickey Virtue and Astro - announced last week that they were uniting to record a new album under the same name.
The five remaining founder members, Brian Travers, Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer, Norman Hassan and Ali's brother Robin Campbell, have now responded to the claims via their website, stating that the move is a "pathetic" attempt to "confuse and manipulate" fans.
A statement reads:
“We are outraged at this latest desperate attempt by our former band mates to hijack UB40's brand name, business and legacy. As UB40 we have worked continuously for the last 35 years touring the world with our live show and promoting our recorded albums.
"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.
“UB40’s five remaining founding members Robin Campbell, Brian Travers, Jimmy Brown, Earl Falconer and Norman Hassan will be touring extensively throughout 2014 and the UK in March and April. With this in mind, UB40 are delighted to announce that extra dates have been added, including a second night in Birmingham on April 19th, with tickets going on sale from Monday, 27th January. 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.
“As for Ali, Mickey and Astro, the matter is now in the hands of our lawyers”.
UB40 have added new dates to their spring UK tour, including a second night in Birmingham on April 19.
Tue March 25 2014 - KILARNEY INEC
Thu March 27 2014 - DUBLIN The Academy
Fri March 28 2014 - DUBLIN The Academy
Sat March 29 2014 - BELFAST The Limelight
Mon March 31 2014 - GLASGOW O2 ABC
Tue April 01 2014 - GATESHEAD Sage Gateshead
Thu April 03 2014 - LEEDS O2 Academy Leeds
Fri April 04 2014 - NOTTINGHAM Rock City
Sat April 05 2014 - IPSWICH Ipswich Regent Theatre
Mon April 07 2014 - FOLKESTONE Leas Cliff Hall
Tue April 08 2014 - PORTSMOUTH Portsmouth Pyramids
Thu April 10 2014 - SOUTHEND Cliffs Pavilion
Fri April 11 2014 - ST ALBANS Alban Arena
Sat April 12 2014 - MANCHESTER Manchester Academy
Mon April 14 2014 - CAMBRIDGE Cambridge Corn Exchange
Tue April 15 2014 - LONDON O2 Shepherds Bush Empire
Fri April 18 2014 - BIRMINGHAM The Institute
Sat April 19 2014 - BIRMINGHAM The Institute
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