LONDON (AFP) - The lead singer of British band UB40 has quit the band after nearly 30 years, citing management problems for his split from a group which rose to fame in the anti-Thatcher culture of the 1980s.
The band -- whose name came from the British social security form for jobless people -- had hits including "Red Red Wine" and "I Got You Babe" over the years, and will continue despite frontman Ali Campbells departure.
"As one of the founder members of UB40, I have put the band first in my life for the last 28 years and am deeply saddened at the ending of that relationship," he said on his website.
"No words can express how upset I feel today that I have been forced to make this decision," added the 48-year-old.
The Birmingham-based band -- which has sold 70 million albums worldwide -- emerged in the politically charged years under prime minister Margaret Thatcher, when jobless tolls soared as economic reforms cut in.
The singer insisted that he was not leaving the band -- which also includes Campbells brother Robin -- due to arguments over his solo career.
"That is not the truth. I released my first solo album 13 years ago and when I released my current solo album I had every intention of continuing to balance my solo career with my commitment to the band," he said.
"The reason for me leaving the band is that management difficulties, which have been ongoing for almost five years, had become intolerable.
And he added: "I know UB40 will carry on successfully without me and I wish them all the very best -- they have been my family for the last 28 years and will always be my brothers."
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