UB40 announce new lead singer to replace Duncan Campbell

5 July 2021, 12:33

Duncan Campbell quit the group and retired from music for medical reasons last week.

UB40 have wasted no time in announcing their new lead singer following the departure of Duncan Campbell.

Campbell announced his retirement from music last week after he recently experienced a seizure following a stroke last year.

The band today (July 5) announced on their official website that Matt Doyle, frontman of fellow Birmingham band KIOKO, would be UB40's new lead singer.

UB40 - Livestream - KIOKO's Matt Doyle Special

"I don’t quite know how to put into words just how incredibly honoured and grateful I feel to be given this opportunity," Doyle said.

"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.

"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 always 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, I’ve seen how much love he puts into his performance and he has written some incredible songs that I can’t wait to sing, as well as all the hits that have been such a big influence on my own music.

"UB40 have loyal and wonderful fans and I have loved getting to know so many of them already. My promise to them and to the fans all around the world is that I will always give it my all singing the songs they know and love and, alongside this legendary band, bring them a performance they’ll never forget."

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KIOKO have regularly supported UB40 in recent years, opening for them at their 40th anniversary show at The Royal Albert Hall in 2018, before joining them on the road in the UK and Europe.

Doyle has already appeared on a UB40 recoprding, lending his vocals to ‘You Don’t Call Anymore’ from last month's hook-ups album Bigga Baggariddum.

UB40 - You Don’t Call Anymore (feat. KIOKO) [Official Video]

UB40 guitarist and vocalist Robin Campbell said: "Matt has already demonstrated his ability and compatibility with the band on our latest album.

"He’s a talented young man with a voice and singing style that will prove to be a good fit and a great asset to the band. And on top of all that he’s a nice guy, too."

Duncan joined UB40 as the singer in 2008 after his brother and founding member Ali Campbell left the group and started a solo career.