UB40 founding member Brian Travers dies, aged 62

23 August 2021, 14:39 | Updated: 24 August 2021, 11:14

UB40's Brian Travers performs Usher Hall, Edinburgh — UB40's Brian Travers has sadly passed away at the age of 62. Picture: Roberto Ricciuti/Redferns/Getty

The band shared an official statement announcing the devastating news that Travers died following a "long and heroic battle with cancer".

Brian Travers of UB40, has died, aged 62.

The saxophonist and songwriter, who was a founding member of the band, sadly lost his battle to cancer on 22 August 2021..

A statement from the band shared on Monday (23 August) began: "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 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".

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. pic.twitter.com/V3EguMJCYY
— UB40 (@UB40OFFICIAL) August 23, 2021

Tributes have already begun to pour in for the musician, who died in his home in Moseley, Birmingham.

Birmingham City FC have sent out their thoughts and prayers.

Sending all our thoughts and prayers to Brian's family and friends at this extremely difficult time. 💙
— Birmingham City FC (@BCFC) August 23, 2021

Actor and writer Adil Ray wrote: "I have lost a friend. Brian Travers you were my number one fan and I yours. You may have played your final note, but we’ll keep singing to your tune my brother from another."

I have lost a friend. Brian Travers you were my number one fan and I yours. You may have played your final note, but we’ll keep singing to your tune my brother from another. As you said in your final words to me, “shukria bro”. Love to Lesley, Lisa & Jamie ❤️ #UB40 pic.twitter.com/ZrVViqoIxv
— Adil Rashford Saka Sancho 💙 (@adilray) August 23, 2021

Paul Young wrote: "Very sad day (another..) to hear about the passing of Brian Travers from UB40. This photo is from 2018 when they asked me to perform Love Of The Common People with them, after I hi-jacked the idea in 1983! He was a driving force, full of energy & positivity; RIP Brian x".

Very sad day (another..) to hear about the passing of Brian Travers from UB40. This photo is from 2018 when they asked me to perform Love Of The Common People with them, after I hi-jacked the idea in 1983! He was a driving force, full of energy & positivity; RIP Brian x pic.twitter.com/PSazxyqNOH
— Paul Young (@PaulYoungParlez) August 23, 2021

Brian formed UB40 in Birmingham in 1978, with the name inspired by the form issued to those claiming unemployment benefits at the time.

The band are most known for their hits Red Red Wine, Kingston Town and Can’t Help Falling in Love and they've sold over 100 million albums worldwide.