UB40 saxophonist Brian Travers diagnosed with brain tumor, will not be attending band's 40th-anniversary tour
UB40 member Brian Travers has reportedly been forced to skip the band's 40th-anniversary tour after being diagnosed with brain tumor. The 60-year-old musician was slated to join his bandmates Earl Falconer and Norman Hassan on the celebratory tour which kicks off on Friday in Portsmouth, UK.
According to Metro news, it has been confirmed that the star will no longer take part in the tour as he is due to undergo surgery for the tumor on Thursday. The sad news was shared with fans by Brian via his official Facebook page.
The star wrote, "It is with great regret that I shall be unable to join my bandmates in UB40 on our 40th-anniversary tour, the guys have worked incredibly hard to perfect the songs in preparation for the live premiere of our new album 'For The Many'."
He continued, "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."
The talented saxophonist also explained in his social media post that he has enjoyed "a great life with no regrets" and has nothing else to add to his bucket list, aside from beating the disease and returning to music, which he described as "the thing I love".
In the same post, the star also described how he hopes to resume "expressing myself through painting & sculpture". He concluded the emotional post with the words, "It’s been a huge privilege and I thank you all for the opportunity to ‘live the dream.’"
News of Brian's brain tumor diagnosis has reportedly left his bandmates quite disappointed and dejected. The UB40 members also addressed the devastating news, and released their own own statement: "We’re deeply saddened that Brian, our lifelong friend and founding member of UB40, is unable to join us for our celebratory UK tour."
The statement continued, "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."