REGGAE musicians look set for a showdown over the use of the name UB40 after former members of the band announced they were adopting it, despite a rival camp already touring and recording with the title.
Ex-singer Ali Campbell has teamed up with founders of the group Astro and Mickey Virtue to form another band and said they too will be called UB40.
It appears to have been established in opposition to the other members of the band - led by Ali's brother Robin Campbell - who have continued to use the name.
The group originally formed 36 years ago clocking up hits with songs such as One In Ten, Red Red Wine and a cover of the Sonny and Cher classic I Got You Babe.
But Ali Campbell and Virtue quit the line-up in 2008 over "management difficulties" leaving the others to continue under the name UB40, and Astro followed in November of last year.
The departing trio have now set up a website and posted a message: "The three founding members have reformed and reunited to bring you the true sound of UB40. Ali, Astro and Mickey are currently in the studio working on a new album...more info soon."
The members of the group which had retained the name - due to tour in March - have not responded to the news.
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