UB40 saxophonist Brian Travers has been diagnosed with a brain tumour, forcing him to pull out of the band's 40th anniversary tour.
He will undergo surgery on the day he was due to begin the tour.
The musician said he would "be there in spirit" and the only thing left on his bucket list was returning to music.
UB40 confirmed the tour, starting this Saturday in Portsmouth, would go ahead in Travers' absence.
A band statement said they are deeply saddened that Travers, their lifelong friend and founding member of UB40, is unable to join them for their celebratory UK tour.
