Scans revealed that Travers, who was one of the founding members of the band, has two tumours after he suffered a seizure at home on 19 March, as reported by the BBC.

Travers is set to undergo surgery on the day when the band are due to begin their tour.

Travers 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 premier 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 and sculpture."

UB40 confirmed the tour, starting on Friday in Portsmouth, would go ahead in Travers' absence.

A band statement said: "We're deeply saddened that Brian, our lifelong friend and founding member of UB40, is unable to join us for our celebratory UK tour.

"We know he will be missed by all but his health and well-being come first, and we are sure our friends and fans will join us in wishing Brian a full and speedy return to health, and return to us."

UB40 are set to tour throughout the UK this March and April.

UB40 Reunited - which featured former members Astro, Ali Campbell and Mickey Virtue - toured in Ireland earlier this year.