Vocalist Duncan Campbell Leaves UB40 Due To Medical Reasons
Monday, 28 June 2021
Written by Jon Stickler
UB40 frontman Duncan Campbell has announced his retirement from music.
The news comes after the 63-year-old had a seizure at his home earlier in June. He was also hospitalised after suffering a stroke in August 2020.
The vocalist has spent the last 10 months recovering in anticipation for the reggae legends' upcoming UK tour, however, he has made the decision to "reluctantly" retire now "due to continued ill health". He said:
"Unfortunately, due to continued ill health, I have reluctantly decided to retire from the band so as to focus on my recovery. I am very grateful, and would like to express my sincere thanks to the fans for all their support during this time and indeed throughout my time with UB40. The band have my full support going forward and, of course, my very best wishes for the future with their new singer."
The Birmingham band are expected to announce their new singer soon. Campbell's older brother and bandmate Robin added: "We've been rehearsing with every intention of Duncan's return to performing, but sadly, after suffering further illness, he has made the decision to retire from music in order to concentrate fully on his recovery.
"While we are deeply saddened, we completely understand and fully support his decision. As far as touring goes, we are ready to hit the road for our upcoming summer shows and will be announcing our new frontman imminently."
Campbell replaced his younger brother Ali in 2008, after Ali quit over a disagreement about management. He has since formed the breakaway group UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro.
UB40 released their 21st studio album, 'Bigga Baggariddim', last week (June 25). They'll support it with a UK tour this autumn, along with a handful of outdoor shows this summer, including a hometown gig at Sandwell Valley Country Park on August 1. Tickets are on sale now.
UB40 Upcoming Tour Dates are as follows
Sat July 31 2021 - LINGFIELD Lingfield Park Resort
Sun August 01 2021 - BIRMINGHAM Sandwell Valley Country Park
Sun August 22 2021 - WORCESTER Worcester Racecourse
Sat September 11 2021 - MARGATE Dreamland Margate
Sat September 18 2021 - KENT Rochester Castle
Fri November 19 2021 - CASTLEBAR Royal Theatre and Event Centre
Sat November 20 2021 - BELFAST Ulster Hall
Sun November 21 2021 - KILLARNEY INEC
Wed November 24 2021 - EDINBURGH Usher Hall
Thu November 25 2021 - GLASGOW Barrowland
Sat November 27 2021 - ABERDEEN Music Hall
Sun November 28 2021 - STOCKTON Globe
Tue November 30 2021 - BLACKPOOL Empress Ballroom
Wed December 01 2021 - NORTHAMPTON Royal and Derngate
Thu December 02 2021 - NORWICH UEA
Sat December 04 2021 - MANCHESTER O2 Apollo
Sun December 05 2021 - LIVERPOOL Eventim Olympia
Mon December 06 2021 - PORTSMOUTH Guildhall
Wed December 08 2021 - LEEDS first direct Arena
Thu December 09 2021 - BRIGHTON Centre
Fri December 10 2021 - CARDIFF Motorpoint Arena
Sun December 12 2021 - LONDON SSE Arena Wembley
Mon December 13 2021 - CHELTENHAM Centaur
Tue December 14 2021 - PLYMOUTH Pavilions
Thu December 16 2021 - HULL Bonus Arena
Sat December 18 2021 - BOURNEMOUTH O2 Academy Bournemouth
Sun December 19 2021 - BRISTOL O2 Academy Bristol
Mon December 20 2021 - STOKE Victoria Hall
Wed December 22 2021 - NOTTINGHAM Motorpoint Arena
Wed February 09 2022 - UTRECHT Tivoli Vredenburg (Netherlands)
Thu February 10 2022 - GRONINGEN De Oosterport (Netherlands)
Fri February 11 2022 - ANTWERP De Roma (Belgium)
Sun February 13 2022 - TILBURG Poppodium 013 (Netherlands)
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