The Four Tops are to release one final album with original member Duke Fakir.
The 80-year-old singer plans on retiring within the next five years and is to bow out by releasing the Motown group’s first record since 1988’s ‘Indestructible’ when originals Levi Stubbs, Renaldo ‘Obie’ Benson, and Lawrence Payton were alive.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz, Duke said: "We do plan on doing some new music on my way out of the business. I will be going out pretty soon. That could be five years from now or two. We are writing songs to capture a little bit of our history along with a tribute to the other three Tops who passed away. So we are planning one last album, at least with me on it."
The ‘Ain’t No Woman’ hitmaker has also said that once he has passed away he will hand the reins over to the son of Lawrence, Lawrence Payton Jr should they wish to continue performing as the Four Tops.
Asked if he would be happy for the group, which also includes Lawrence Jr, Harold Bonhart and Ronnie McNeir to continue performing, he said: "If they wish to. Right now we have the son of one of the original members, Lawrence Payton Jr., he would probably take over.
"I would pass it on to him. I would mentor him on things. But he was born into. I remember when we had to put him in a spot I didn’t even have to rehearse him. So they will be carrying on the legacy."
The Four Tops are currently on tour with The Temptations and Tavares in the UK.
The Four Tops, The Temptations and Tavares UK Tour Dates are as follows:
Liverpool Echo Arena, 21 Oct 2016 with special guests Tavares
Manchester Arena, 22 Oct 2016 with special guests Tavares
Leeds First Direct Arena, 23 Oct 2016 with special guests Tavares
Nottingham Capital FM Arena, 25 Oct 2016 with special guests Tavares
Birmingham Genting Arena, 26 Oct 2016 with special guests Tavares
London O2 Arena, 27 Oct 2016 with special guests Tavares
Bournemouth BIC, 29 Oct 2016 with special guests Tavares
Southend Cliffs Pavillion, 30 Oct 2016