UB40 singer Duncan Campbell is taken to hospital after having a stroke

4 August 2020, 12:01

UB40 frontman Duncan Campbell has been rushed to hospital after having a stroke, it has been reported.

The 62-year-old, who replaced his brother Ali Campbell as UB40's frontman in 2008, is said to be in recovery and is "up and about".

A statement released by the reggae group said: "We can confirm that our lead singer and brother Duncan Campbell was taken to hospital after suffering a stroke.

"While we can report that he is already up and about, we ask fans to respect Duncan and the family's privacy as he works his way back to what we all hope will be a strong and speedy recovery.

"We look forward to seeing you all on the road next spring."

Read more: UB40's greatest songs ever

Last week, UB40 announced plans for their UK tour dates to be rescheduled to March next year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

UB40 formed in Birmingham back in the late 1970s, with Duncan's brother Ali Campbell as the lead singer.

They are best known for hits including 'Red Red Wine', 'Kingston Town', and their cover of Elvis Presley's '(I Can't Help) Falling In Love'.

Duncan joined the band 12 years ago, after Ali fell out with other members over a disagreement about management.

The original lead singer has been known to criticise his replacement, and has said watching his brother perform the band's songs "makes my skin crawl".

Ali now performs with the splinter group UB40 Featuring Ali, Astro & Mickey. Duncan and Ali's brother Robin Campbell is also a member of the original UB40.