Brian Travers, UB40 founding member, dead at 62

Aug. 23 (UPI) — Brian Travers, who was a founding member of UB40 and played the saxophone for the group, has died at the age of 62.

UB40 confirmed Travers’ death on Twitter Monday. The musician died on Sunday following a long battle with cancer.

“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,” the reggae-pop band said alongside a black and white photo of Travers.

“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,” UB40 continued.

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

Travers helped form the band alongside Ali Campbell, Robin Campbell, Earl Falconer, James Brown and Norman Hassan in England in 1978.

The lineup, which added Mickey Virture and Astro in 1979, lasted until Ali left the group in 2008.

UB40 are best known for the hit songs “Red Red Wine,” “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” and “Here I Am (Come and Take Me).”