UB40 - UB40 IN CHAOS AFTER SECOND DEPARTURE

UB40 IN CHAOS AFTER SECOND DEPARTURE

UB40 keyboard player MICHAEL VIRTUE has quit the British band - just two months after frontman ALI CAMPBELL walked out. Virtue launched a parting attack on the pop veterans' management company, accusing it of mishandling the band - the same reason Campbell cited for his departure in January (08). In a statement, Virtue says, "I can no longer work with the management team and I am joining Ali Campbell in his investigation into the handling of the band's business affairs. "I am very upset to be leaving the band, who have been like family for the last 30 years, but feel, under the circumstances, that this was the only option left open to me. "I have been unhappy with the way things have been run for many years and wanted to get to the bottom of the band's business affairs, which I have been unable to do. "Ali has had no contact with the band since the last UB40 concert in Uganda so I called him last week and asked to speak with him. I have now had a meeting with the legal team who are representing Ali and are now also representing me. "It certainly cannot be said that I am leaving to pursue a solo career and neither did Ali. Suffice to say, I am extremely disappointed." UB40 vowed to continue performing after Campbell's departure. Virtue's exit leaves six band members.