UB40 star Brian Travers has had to drop out of the band’s touring schedule after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
The saxophonist, 60, went to hospital for scans last week following a seizure at his home.
Doctors discovered two tumours, forcing Brian to miss out on UB40’s upcoming 40th anniversary tour.
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The star, who is due to have brain surgery on Thursday, revealed on social media his “regret” at having to let fans down.
An update on UB40’s Facebook page read: “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 premiere 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.”
He continued: “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.”
Speaking further, the musician said his time with the band has been “a huge privilege” and thanked fans for allowing him to “live the dream”.
UB40‘s new album, For The Many, was released on Friday, March 15th.
The band’s latest tour will kick off this Friday (March 29th) in Portsmouth and end with a gig in Guildford on May 22nd.
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UB40 formed in Birmingham in 1978 and shot to fame in the early ’80s.
They have had over 50 tracks in the UK Singles Chart to date, including Food for Thought and their covers of Can’t Help Falling in Love and Red Red Wine.
Brian Travers was among UB40’s original lineup, which remained unchanged until 2008 when frontman Ali Campbell left the band.
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