UB40 saxophonist Brian Travers, 60, diagnosed with a brain tumour after seizure and forced to pull out of band’s 40th anniversary tour

UB40 saxophonist Brian Travers has been diagnosed with a brain tumour and forced to pull out of band’s 40th anniversary tour.

The 60-year-old founding member of the reggae and pop group thanked fans for letting him “live the dream” during his time with the band after he suffered a seizure at home.

Subsequent scans have revealed Brian is suffering from two brain tumours.

He has now been forced to pull out of the UK tour that will celebrate four decades of the band.

Instead of taking part in the first concert on Friday, he will undergo surgery on the day he was due to return to stage.

“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,” he said.

“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 and sculpture.

“It’s been a huge privilege and I thank you all for the opportunity to ‘live the dream’.”

The Red Red Wine hitmakers confirmed they will carry on without Brian and he is expected to make a recovery within six months.

A statement from UB40 said: “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 well-being 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.”

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