Has anyone heard about Ali Campbell leaving Ub40. Just read it on the virginmedia website. It will not be the same without him now.

What does everyone else think??

he'll be back, i love ub40 ali just can't make it on his own.

the new album 24/7 is out later this year

I read this too and think it's really sad - he's saying he was forced to make the decision over problems with management, but if that's true it's a shame the rest of the band didn't stand by him.
I know they're not as popular as they were but they've contributed a lot to music and won't be the same without him.

i,m hoping its a publicity stunt

I haven't heard anything new from them for years but it is sad when bands break up

There is no UB40 without him. Ali and his brother are UB40 - who the hell cares who the rest of them are? Shame on the others if they try to continue without him.

Talented musicians? Possibly songwriters as well? They equally play an important part in the band. I for one could never stand Ali Campbell's horrible nasally singing, and much preferred the backing music.

I like his voice and agree that he and his brother were the ones I associated with the band, and although the others are talented musicians too, I really don't see how they can carry on without him - I don't think Robin's voice is strong enough imo.
The sad part for me is that reading between the lines it seems he's taken this step out of desperation but the others haven't backed him - we'll have to see what happens - I guess it won't make that big an impact anyway, as they don't have that big a following anymore.

i stopped listening to them after red red wine, before that they had a unique sound that they threw away in favour of doing commercial covers.

listen to the album signing off and present arms if you want a taste of their better days.

Yep, first two albums were and still are fantastic records.
Shame about the reggae lite pop path they choose. the richer and fatter they became, the worse they got.
It really is time to call it a day IMHO

I can't understand why they did it, I mean what the hell were they thinking. Listen to "king" and "one in ten" the music and songs were amazing when they started, it was like nothing else and then boom we get cheesy covers for the next 20 years.

But i guess a lot of bands decide that its better to sound radio friendly and make a fortune .

Exactly, lets be honest if you can pump out a few covers that are friendly on the commercial ear and make an absolute fortune then thats the avenue you are going to take.

Met Ali many times, my mum is his pharmacist and I play snooker at their hall, he is possibly nicest "celeb" i have ever met, brilliant guy.

Birmingham has produced some great bands over the years, My fave being The Beat.

And Slade were great to.