News Item

Business as usual & the future is bright say UB40 (WORLD EXCLUSIVE)

Reggae superstars UB40 made news headlines around the globe this week (19th Oct) when it was announced that four members of the band had been declared bankrupt – apparently over old business debts they say were inherited when their former management went out of business three years ago.

Sky News went big with the story. Newspapers and media here, and in USA, Jamaica, Canada and around the world splashed the news across the front pages, and at the top of news bulletins. The net is peppered with many stories and forums hot with the shock news. Former lead singer Ali Campbell, who was himself declared bankrupt back in June, was widely quoted by the media about his former colleagues’ misfortune. The band and their management officially stayed quiet.

Blues & Soul can now reveal exclusive comments from members of the band and their manager, and confirm they are very much focused on production of their new album and a bunch of new European tour dates next year.

Much of the media reports have wrongly stated it is the “the band” that have gone “bust,” when in fact, it is only four of the founder members who are affected. Saxophonist and songwriter Brian Travers, drummer Jimmy Brown, trumpeter Terence "Astro" Wilson, and percussionist Norman Hassan were each "declared insolvent."

UB40 were embroiled in a legal battle earlier this year, where a Birmingham County Court judge gave the green light for tax officials to pursue individual bankruptcy proceedings against five original members over royalty payments. Robin Campbell was the fifth member pursued, but he was not made bankrupt in the final hearing two weeks ago.

The band have been appealing various court hearings and decisions all year, but two weeks ago they finally lost out to the judge’s ruling. A lot of the reports this week wrongly suggested the case had been heard in Birmingham in the last few days. The final hearing was actually two weeks ago, but there were no members of the press in attendance to report on the matter.

A Birmingham County Court judge gave the go ahead to begin seizure of assets to help pay off the debt. The bulk of the amount owed was accumulated via the group's former management company DEP International Ltd, which went into liquidation in April 2008. Liquidators are currently entitled to the group's royalty payments , following a July 2011 hearing. In addition to their debts, an undisclosed figure, the reggae stars must also pay the costs of the case, which is believed to be close to £60,000.

The band have sold circa 100 Million records in a 32-year career, and had 50+ hits in the UK singles charts. Two number ones in the US, and consistently headlined global tours. After singer Ali Campbell and keyboard player Mickey Virtue left the band in 2008, Ali’s brother Duncan took on lead vocal duties ,and joined their brother Robin, who plays guitar. Ali set out on his own as “The voice of UB40,” with new records and his own live appearances.

A lot has been made of the latest legal issues on the message boards of both the band and their former lead singer, with “rival” fans bickering, attacking and blaming the other faction. The media have stated they were unable to contact management or the band for comment, and have instead quoted Ali Campbell extensively.

Blues & Soul have obtained a statement issued by David Harper, UB40’s manager, on behalf of the band. He says: “There have been some inaccuracies reported in national newspapers which we would like to correct. Despite rumours to the contrary, UB40 has not been made bankrupt. Some individual members of the band have been declared insolvent, but not all members.”

“UB40 wish to assure all of their fans that it is business as usual. To that end, the band will resume the recording sessions for their new album at the end of October, with a view to it being released in early 2012.”

“Touring plans are also well underway for next year, with dates already scheduled for January & February in Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, Switzerland & Spain.”

“UB40 would like to thank their loyal fans from around the world for their continued messages of support.” Amid much mud slinging and accusations from both sides, the band say their problems began when Ali quit in 2008, which they say lost them “several million pounds worth of work” and put them in the smelly stuff financially, dashing hopes that they could clear debts it is claimed, were left from the previous management’s regime.

Ali is quoted in the media as saying he was right to quit over financial issues he says he had flagged up to the band, citing the four members’ current bankruptcy proceedings as vindication of his decision. He claims they ignored his warnings and “sided with management.” The band accuse his camp of shopping them to the media about the recent court decision to hold four of the founder members personally liable for the debts, and make an order that personal assets may be seized by creditors. They also say it was down to him leaving, as to why they ended up in a mess.

Drummer Jimmy Brown told fans on the UB40 message board this week: “As usual, it's only partly accurate. And the usual ambulance chasing from our ex-singer isn't helping much either. Let me tell you what REALLY happened with UB40 ‘supporting their management.’” He goes on to make various allegations about Ali’s conduct, and claims Ali was paid more than his band mates, which he said was against their agreement when they formed in the late 1970s, that each member is paid the same.

”We gave instructions to our management, that our ex-singer should NOT be given any more than his fair share - which was the equal split that we all agreed back at the beginning. This was when our singer decided to leave. He told us that he could 'earn 10-times more without you lot,' and left.”

“And the financial difficulties were as a result of our singer leaving. It caused us to lose several million pounds worth of work, and this had a knock on effect of creating a black hole that the band have been working to drag themselves out of.”

“We tried everything we could, to come to a reasonable deal over the administration of DEP, but in the end we failed.”

“Now that it has come to a conclusion, it gives us an opportunity to put this all behind us and move on. We've got a new album on the way and we are already booking shows for January next year. So it's a relief to get this over with, now we can concentrate on the future.”

“As usual, our ex-singer is trying to stick the boot in, and did you notice there was no mention of our ex-singer’s own bankruptcy….. nothing to do with the DEP litigation. …….. his case didn't get any press attention, so he's careful not to mention it when he's waving his shroud in the press.”

“The claim that our case proves he was right all along, is a classic case of putting 2 and 2 together and coming up with 5!”

Because Ali Campbell was himself declared bankrupt back in June, he is not subject to the recent ruling over personal assets to clear the band’s debts connected to DEP. KPMG insolvency director Wendy Wardell was appointed his trustee. Mr Campbell is apparently due to be discharged from bankruptcy on 27 June 2012.

Ali Campbell told the magazine Accountancy Age at the time of his own proceedings: "This is an old story and at this time I have no comment to make." He has not spoken about his own bankruptcy so far. Jimmy Brown added: “A few months back, when the story broke in the press after the court hearing before last, it was because there were several journalists present in the gallery. And the story appeared the day after.”

“According to our solicitor, there were no journalists present at the final court hearing. Which was over two weeks ago. And the day after, there were no stories in the press. This suggests to me that the press were informed of the story by somebody. “

“The funny thing is, our problems were created by him leaving. His financial problems started a long time before that. That's why we told our management not to give in to the demands he was making, [behind the band’s back].”

“Fact is, our management was looking after the interests of the WHOLE band. The reality is, the story was leaked to the press………...And the only quotes given in the article are by him! He has put his own name to the story, and is using it to try and get some sympathy from the public………”

“Also, have you noticed that there has been yet another subtle change to the story? ….the story is now that he was a lone voice of reason amongst his stupid band-mates, who were burying their head in the sand and not facing up to our impending financial doom.”

“Our ex-singer doesn't mind courting the tabloids over this, it's the only time he gets any press attention. But we prefer to keep our private lives. . . er. . . PRIVATE. It doesn't affect our ability to keep on working, and we've got some exciting stuff lined up.”

Ali has also been quoted in the press about not getting an invite to the recent event in Birmingham, when the band went back to the Hare & Hounds pub where they played their first ever gig over 30 years ago, to mark the unveiling of a blue plaque, to commemorate their history and achievements. But the band says it was not up to them who was invited. Jimmy Brown explains: “I'd like to say something about our ex-singer claiming the band ignored him, when PRS presented us with the plaque outside the Hare & Hounds. This was a PRS initiative. They approached us about the award, not the other way round.”

“When our singer walked away from the band, he changed addresses and telephone numbers. We don't have an address or forwarding number for him. He is probably still registered with PRS as an individual. So, if he wasn't informed about the award, that would be down to PRS, not UB40.”

“It's just another desperate attempt to portray the band in a negative light. And garner some sympathy for himself. He would never have accepted an invitation anyway. “

“If it was all UB40's fault, why is he bankrupt, and two members of the band are NOT bankrupt?”

Brian Travers joined in the debate on a positive note: “….heartfelt thanks to everyone for your kind regards...Its a minor blip for a few of us, nothing we can't work through...just between you and me, we have loads of dates being booked all over Europe in early 2012, we are finishing a brand new album. Things ain't so bad. The band are happy with the way things are, despite what's happened. We feel good, are enjoying playing & recording together, writing, arranging new stuff which we are all bursting to let you hear...”

To which Jimmy replied: “2012 is the year when UB40 do things they've never done before. Not just music and gigs, but there are other irons in the fire that are heating up nicely. But we can't say any more a.t.m.”

“But I think it was important to have the real story here, for anyone interested enough to want to find out more. Don't think there's much more to be said, except; get ready for 2012!”

By Simon Redley

*FOOTNOTE:

Blues & Soul wish UB40 and Ali Campbell the best of luck with their individual career plans, and sincerely wish peace could break out in their divided camps. If either party see the sense in our suggestion of appointing an independent mediator –“ our man Redley is offering” - to broker PRIVATE peace talks between them, so they can exist separately without further conflict, we would be more than pleased to offer that opportunity.

We also would encourage all their fans to stop the unpleasant comments on the net, which will not help matters to calm down. Please Ali. Please UB40 chaps. Sort it out NOW for the sake of your fans, the great music - and the sad fact that there are three members of the same family seemingly “at war” within this sorry situation………Pick up the ‘phone or email B&S, and we’ll set it up as a strictly off-the-record, confidential meeting, on neutral ground.. Please do it now guys……..Come on all you true fans of both parties….tell ‘em it makes sense.
Words SIMON REDLEY