Written by: Alex Green

Brian Travers, who co-founded the legendary Birmingham outfit UB40 has revealed he’s been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Due to imminent medical treatment, Travers will be sitting out the band’s 40th anniversary tour.

The saxophonist had a seizure last week and after being hospitalized, doctors found that Travers’ seizure was due to two tumors. The musician is set to undergo surgery this week (March 28). Travers has been told that his recovery would likely take six months.

On social media Travers wrote: “It is with great regret that I shall be unable to join my band mates in UB40 on our 40th anniversary tour, the guys have worked incredibly hard to perfect the songs in preparation for the live premier of our new album ‘For the Many’. They sound great, but I shall be there in spirit, cheering them on from my convalescence and thinking of all the wonderful people out there who have supported us for the last 40 years, who I am now incredibly proud to count as friends. I’ve had a great life with no regrets and have absolutely nothing to add to a bucket list except getting over this and getting back to the thing I love, playing music to anyone who wants to listen and expressing myself through painting & sculpture. It’s been a huge privilege and I thank you all for the opportunity to ‘live the dream’.”

Meanwhile, UB40 published this statement on social media: “We’re deeply saddened that Brian, our lifelong friend and founding member of UB40, is unable to join us for our celebratory UK tour. We know he will be missed by all but his health and wellbeing come first, and we are sure our friends and fans will join us in wishing Brian a full and speedy return to health, and return to us.”

UB40’s For The Many record was released on March 15.

The band’s tour is set to begin Friday (March 29).