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Confusion over UB40's tour to SA cleared up

Cape Town – In a rather odd sequence of events massive confusion has spread over the band UB40’s tour to South Africa. 

In a statement released on Monday the band said that they had not been scheduled to perform in South Africa. 

"We would like to make it known to all UB40 fans in South Africa that the current shows being advertised at several venues in South Africa as UB40 shows are not genuine," said the five remaining founding members of UB40 - Robin Campbell, Brian Travers, James Brown, Earl Falconer and Norman Hassan.

The band said three former members of UB40 had made an announcement about several live performances in the country.

"Three former members of UB40, Ali Campbell, Astro and Michael Virtue, are fraudulently masquerading as UB40," the band said.

UB40 said Campbell left the band six years ago citing issues with the band's management and had since pursued a solo career.

"While their actions are highly immoral, they are also illegal, and we are currently pursuing the matter through the law courts," UB40 said.

The band said it was in talks with Big Concerts promoter Attie Van Wyk to perform in the country.

Seed Experiences replies: 

Seed Experiences released a statement saying it is bringing the famous sound of UB40 to South Africa in April 2014.  

The band will play on Friday 4 April 2014 at Val de Vie Estate in Paarl and on Saturday 5 April 2014 at Emmarentia Dam in Johannesburg.

“It is well known that the famous frontman and voice of UB40, lead singer Ali Campbell left the band in 2008 along with Micky Virtue. Additional band member, Astro (Terence Wilson), left in 2013.  

“In January 2014 these three members from the original band announced that they had reunited to perform live and to record new music under the name of UB40 and in the spirit of the original music.  This is the tour that is coming to South Africa and is officially billed as UB40 as per the contract with their leading and reputable UK booking agent,” Mike Pocock, PR Manager for One-eyed Jack - the PR and communications agency for Seed Experiences, said in a statement.

Seed Experiences said that they are aware of another band in the UK, made up of the other remaining members, that still performs under the name of UB40. This band performs without the legendary voice of Ali Campbell, Astro or Micky Virtue. 

“It has been brought to our attention that there is now a name dispute between the bands, which Seed Experiences is leaving the artists to settle directly and does not affect the SA Tour going ahead as planned,” Pocock added.

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