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Artist News
UB40’s Duncan Campbell announces retirement from music
By Andy Malt | Published on Tuesday 29 June 2021
UB40 frontman Duncan Campbell has announced that he is retiring from music, following a seizure last week.
“Unfortunately, due to continued ill health, I have reluctantly decided to retire from the band so as to focus on my recovery”, he says in a statement. “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”.
Campbell was hospitalised due to a stroke last year, but had been expected to return to the band for scheduled tour dates. Those dates were postponed due to COVID-19 and are now expected to begin in July.
On behalf of the rest of the band, Campbell’s brother Robin says: “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”, he adds, “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”.
Duncan Campbell has fronted UB40 since 2008, following the departure of his other brother Ali due to a dispute over the band’s finances. Ali Campbell subsequently set up a rival UB40 with other former members of the group, going by various names before settling on UB40 Featuring Ali Campbell & Astro.
