Duncan Campbell of UB40 has announced his retirement from music due to medical issues.

The lead singer of the band since 2008, Campbell had a seizure in his home earlier this month while recovering from a stroke he suffered in August of last year.

Now aged 63, Duncan replaced his brother, Ali Campbell, thirteen years ago after Ali left the reggae-pop band.

In a statement released by the band on their social media, 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 rest of the band say they intend to continue with a new vocalist, to be announced imminently.

Guitarist and Duncan's brother Robin Campbell said that the band have 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 front man imminently.”

 

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