UB40 saxophonist Brian Travers will miss the band's upcoming 40th anniversary tour after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, it has been announced.
The 60-year-old musician was taken to hospital last week after suffering a seizure at his home and subsequent brain scans revealed two tumours, a statement said.
Travers, who will undergo surgery on Thursday, the day before the tour kicks off, said: "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.
"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 & sculpture. It's been a huge privilege and I thank you all for the opportunity to 'live the dream'."
The band has said the tour will still go ahead, with the first performance scheduled for Friday March 29 at Portsmouth's Guildhall.
