UB40 Founding Member, Saxophonist Brian Travers Dead at 62

[Polybius]

Source: Rolling Stone

UB40 saxophonist and founding member Brian Travers died Sunday, August 22nd, after a lengthy battle with cancer, according to a statement from the band. He was 62.

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our comrade, brother, founding UB40 member and musical legend, Brian David Travers,” the band wrote on social media. “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.”

A British reggae/pop band, UB40 formed in 1978 — taking their name from an unemployment form — and had its share of hits over the years, from their take on Neil Diamond’s “Red Red Wine” to a spin on Elvis’ “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.” The band also earned four Grammy nominations, all in the reggae category.

Rolling Stone previously called UB40’s 1983 album Labour of Love one of the best records of the Eighties, writing: “Labour of Love, by Britain’s UB40, was exactly that: an enjoyable way of paying tribute to the reggae tunes that meant the most to the band members when they were growing up.”

Read more: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/ub40-brian-travers-dead-obit-1215560/

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RIP, loved their huge hit in 1993!

[barbtries]

1. Sad to hear it. he's younger than me.

I saw them in 2015 at a small theater in Durham NC and I swear we had the best seats in the house and I made a regular fool of myself. Love UB40

[NCDEM4EVR]

3. Ditto

Was at the same show...trust me, you weren't the only one being a fool...couldn't help it, was a great show...had to move all night, was kind of soar for a few days...well worth it. Sad to hear...RIP.

[barbtries]

4. you were?!

you probably saw me we were in the upper box on the right side. I was dancing and yelling and one of the guys in the band looked up and laughed at me lol

they were great.

[luv2fly]

2. In 1980 they opened for The Pretenders

And I saw them with some friends, turned out to be a wild night.

Thanks for the music, and RIP.

[Javaman]

7. that had to be one heck of a show.

Both groups were major influences on me.

Saw the Pretenders many moons ago as well. Never got the chance to see UB40.

so many of the old Punks passing away now.

I still can't believe that all The Ramones are gone (with the exception of Marky)

[NurseJackie]

5. He was a smoker. I wonder what type of cancer he had.

Rest in Peace...

[Javaman]

6. What a damn shame.

big influence on my musical tastes.

Rest in peace.