Ali Campbell discusses unite with UB40: We will be back

UB40’s Ali Campbell rose to fame in the late 1970s as the reggae band’s frontman. The 61-year-old left the band in 2008 after a dispute with management and now performs under the name UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro.

Following his exit from the group, Ali was replaced by his brother Duncan Campbell, and the pair have not spoken for years, despite the new frontman suffering a stroke earlier this month.

Speaking to Good Morning Britain today, Ali was asked by host Adil Ray if there was any chance of the band reforming.

The Red Wine crooner said there was no chance of him “going back” to the original band.

“Those days are well done. Astro and I, we tour around the world, we’re very successful,” Ali explained.

UB40 singer Ali Campbell claims former bandmates ‘betrayed’ him (Image: ITV/GETTY)

Ali Campbell opened up on Good Morning Britain (Image: ITV)

GMB presenter Adil, who hails from Birmingham like the band, is friends with some of its members and read out a statement from Brian Travers – a saxophonist in UB40’s original lineup.

He said: “Ali was my best mate, we went to art school together, he was the best man at my wedding, I haven’t seen him in 10 years, he moved out of Birmingham. It beats me why we’re not together.”

But Ali dismissed any plans for a reconciliation, when he was asked if the group could potentially resolve their issues.

He said: “I was kind of betrayed by them and I left citing problems with management. All that management has been struck off so I stand vindicated.

“I’m just happy to carry on promoting reggae and our version of UB40.”

GMB host Charlotte Hawkins then quizzed the singer on whether he has had contact with his brother Duncan, who suffered a stroke earlier this month.

Ali explained: “I have no contact with them so I only get to hear what’s happened like everyone else.

“I don’t know what’s going on but I know he’s recovering.”

Duncan had been hospitalised following a stroke, with a spokesperson saying the group are hoping he makes a “speedy recovery”.

Ali Campbell performs under a new version of UB40 (Image: GETTY)

A statement on behalf of the band said: “We can confirm that our lead singer and brother Duncan Campbell was taken to hospital after suffering a stroke.

“While we can report that he is already up and about, we ask fans to respect Duncan and the family’s privacy as he works his way back to what we all hope will be a strong and speedy recovery.

“We look forward to seeing you all on the road next spring.”

Duncan originally joined the band following the departure of his brother Ali Campbell.