The late saxophonist passed away in 2021 and was praised for encouraging many young people to pursue music careers

Brummie band UB40 paid tribute to late member Brian Travers by opening a music room at a primary school. Founding members Jimmy Brown, Robin Campbell, Earl Falconer and Norman Hassan arrived at St Edward’s Catholic School for the special ceremony.

They unveiled the Brian Travers Music Room on June 27 in memory of the saxophonist who died from cancer in 2021. The music space at the school includes a bespoke portrait of Brian Travers by city graffiti and street artist VOID along with music themed artwork and murals with special QR codes.

This is the same school where the band were moved to tears hearing pupils perform their songs, after teachers added UB40’s music to the curriculum as a way of introducing different music genres to children. The band hope the music room will inspire students to celebrate West Midlands artists as part of a school-wide plan to increase music education.

Members also presented the very first UB40 Award to eleven-year-old pianist Oskar Pineau, for his outstanding contribution to the school’s music community over the past 12 months. New equipment has also been supplied by the band’s instrument partner Roland for the room.

Campbell said: “It was very moving for us all to attend the unveiling of the Brian Travers Music Room and the wonderful tribute that the school has made in his memory.

The band present the first UB40 Award to eleven-year-old pianist Oskar Pineau(Image: Ash Bolar and UB40)

Brian’s legacy will live on, inspiring children to create and make music and that is a beautiful thing. We will continue to support St Edward’s through the UB40 Award and hope this encourages children keen on music to follow their dreams.”

Travers passed away at age 62 and was remembered as a major ambassador for music, both locally and internationally. According to band mates he encouraged many young musicians to pursue music as a career including UB40 sax player Martin Meredith.

He also supported a student award for the Music Business degree course at Birmingham City University for over ten years. The late saxophonist would send a letter of congratulations to each winner.

Traver’s daughter Lisa, who attended the room’s unveiling, said: “To see a school passionate about self-expression seems kind of revolutionary these days, especially with the pressures on educators. We really salute St Edward’s for being so enthusiastic about music and their pupil’s artistic endeavours.

“The UB40 story is so important for Birmingham and its young people, so to see our family’s story celebrated here, and my dad’s legacy truly continued in the best way fills my heart. He would have been so honoured and humbled.”