UB40 gave us hits such as ‘Red Red Wine’, ‘Kingston Town’ and ‘Can’t Help Falling In Love’, sold over 70 million records worldwide, toured across the globe, notched up two number No. 1 worldwide singles, over 60 Top 40 UK singles, and released 17 studio albums. And now they are completely bankrupt.
The world first learnt of their money troubles after a very public spat between original lead singer Ali Campbell over irregularities with the bands financials. The fued culminated in Campbell walking away from the group, quickly followed by keyboardist Mickey Virtue.
“There has been a complete failure to supply any adequate financial information, causing Ali Campbell to question why it is being withheld particularly when so much time has passed,” a representative of Campbell said that the time.
In an interview with News Today in June this year Campbell said “UB40 have been asset stripped by the people around them, the people around the band have destroyed it with help from some of the members of the band.”
Tax officers are now expected to strip the band of any assets remaining after a judge in Birmingham County Court declared the band and all its remaining members bankrupt. The ruling is a green light to liquidators chasing the band for unpaid debts. Liquidators have also been given access to the bands royalty payments from their biggest hits to help clear the debt.
According to Spinner a spokesperson for Campbell commented on the recent turn of events saying they vindicated his decision to leave the band.
