Brian Travers — UB40 founding member, lyricist, arranger and saxophonist — has died. He was 62 years old.
UB40 confirmed his passing in a statement posted today, revealing that Travers died on Sunday (August 22) at his home in Moseley, England, following a "heroic" battle with cancer.
Their statement read:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our comrade, brother, founding UB40 member and musical legend, Brian David Travers. Brian passed away yesterday evening with his family by his side, after a long and heroic battle with cancer. Our thoughts are with Brian's wife Lesley, his daughter Lisa and son Jamie. We are all devastated by this news and ask that you respect the family's need for privacy at this time.
Prior to his death, Travers had undergone surgery to remove two brain tumours after they were first discovered in 2019. Earlier this year, the artist revealed that he was in recovery from another surgery after suffering a seizure before Christmas in 2020 [via Daily Mail].
Formed in 1978, UB40 took their name from the UK government Department of Employment's "Unemployment Benefit, Form 40." Travers joined the group's Ali Campbell, Jimmy Brown and Earl Falconer that year following a stint as an electrical apprentice for NG Bailey, and would go on to play on some of the group's better-known singles including covers of Neil Diamond's "Red Red Wine" and Elvis' "Can't Help Falling in Love With You."
See the band's announcement below.
UB40 confirmed his passing in a statement posted today, revealing that Travers died on Sunday (August 22) at his home in Moseley, England, following a "heroic" battle with cancer.
Their statement read:
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our comrade, brother, founding UB40 member and musical legend, Brian David Travers. Brian passed away yesterday evening with his family by his side, after a long and heroic battle with cancer. Our thoughts are with Brian's wife Lesley, his daughter Lisa and son Jamie. We are all devastated by this news and ask that you respect the family's need for privacy at this time.
Prior to his death, Travers had undergone surgery to remove two brain tumours after they were first discovered in 2019. Earlier this year, the artist revealed that he was in recovery from another surgery after suffering a seizure before Christmas in 2020 [via Daily Mail].
Formed in 1978, UB40 took their name from the UK government Department of Employment's "Unemployment Benefit, Form 40." Travers joined the group's Ali Campbell, Jimmy Brown and Earl Falconer that year following a stint as an electrical apprentice for NG Bailey, and would go on to play on some of the group's better-known singles including covers of Neil Diamond's "Red Red Wine" and Elvis' "Can't Help Falling in Love With You."
See the band's announcement below.
