Lead singer Ali Campbell has left the pop-reggae band UB40, which he fronted for nearly 30 years, saying management difficulties have become "intolerable."

The British band is known for hits such as Red, Red Wine and Rat in My Kitchen as well as cover versions of I Got You, Babe and (I Can't Help) Falling in Love With You.

Ali Campbell, shown performing at the Live Earth concert in South Africa in July 2007, is leaving the band UB40, which he fronted since 1978.
(Themba Hadebe/Associated Press)

"I have been deeply unhappy with administrative practices and with many decisions that have been made in recent years," Campbell said in a statement on his website.

"I have an ongoing investigation into the handling of my business affairs in relation to UB40. Suffice to say, I felt I had no other option but to resign from my band."

His seven bandmates are disputing the cause of the split, saying Campbell quit to go solo.

Campbell, 48, said he has been recording solo for 13 years and intended to continue balancing his UB40 and solo commitments until he experienced the unspecified "management difficulties."

Members of UB40, named for a British unemployment form, met in an unemployment line in Birmingham, U.K., in 1978.

Campbell said he still considers fellow bandmates "brothers" and wishes them success as they continue as a band.

UB40 has upcoming concerts booked in Australia, New Zealand and Uganda.

With files from the Associated Press