Entertainment
UB40 announces new lead singer replacing Duncan Campbell as he retires following seizure
UB40 has announced its new lead singer (Picture: WireImage/PA Wire)
UB40 has announced that Kioko musician Matt Doyle will replace Duncan Campbell as their new lead singer.
Duncan, 63, who had been the frontman of the band since 2008, announced his retirement from music last week after having a seizure at home in June.
He had previously been admitted to hospital in August 2020 following a stroke.
Newcomer Matt had previously opened for the group during their 40th anniversary concert at the Royal Albert Hall in May 2018, and then supported them on their UK tour later that year and on their European tour in 2019.
Matt’s lead vocals feature on the song You Don’t Call Anymore, which is taken from UB40’s new collaborations album Bigga Baggariddin, which was released in June.
In a statement, he said: ‘I don’t quite know how to put into words just how incredibly honoured and grateful I feel to be given this opportunity.
‘I have loved UB40’s music for as long as I can remember and that love has only grown since getting to know them and watching them play live night after night on tour.
Kioko musician Matt Doyle will replace Duncan following his retirement (Picture: PA)
‘They took Kioko under their wing and gave us the opportunity of a lifetime by inviting us out on tour, and although I’ll deeply miss playing shows with Kioko I know that they will carry on to do incredible things and that we will remain the best of mates.’
He added: ‘I wish the absolute best for Duncan and I hope that he makes a full and speedy recovery.’
Duncan Campbell was the frontman of UB40 between 2008 and 2021 (Picture: Rex/Shutterstock)
Meanwhile, UB40 guitarist and vocalist Robin Campbell, who is the brother of Duncan, said he believes Matt is ‘a talented young man with a voice and singing style that will be prove to be a good fit and a great asset to the band.’
Matt is scheduled to play with the group during their summer dates, starting on July 31 at Lingfield Park Racecourse, before embarking on a UK tour in November and December.
UB40 (pictured with Jeremy Corbyn) have been going since 1978 (Picture: Getty Images)
UB40 was originally founded in Birmingham in 1978, with their name a nod to a form issued to people claiming unemployment benefits at the time.
The band have been responsible for hit singles including Red Red Wine and Falling In Love With You.
The group retained the same lineup until 2008, when original lead singer Ali Campbell quit over a disagreement about management.
He has since toured as part of the breakaway group UB40 Reunited, which features fellow founding members Astro and Mickey Virtue.
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