Birmingham primary school unveils new music room named after UB40 legend Brian Travers

Brummie band UB40 have paid tribute to late member Brian Travers by opening a music room at a Birmingham Catholic primary school.

Founding members Jimmy Brown, Robin Campbell, Earl Falconer and Norman Hassan arrived at St Edward’s Catholic School for the special ceremony to unveil the Brian Travers Music Room in memory of the saxophonist who died from cancer in 2019.

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.

“Here at St. Edward’s we have developed our wider curriculum to ensure that all of our children are given the opportunity to share their God-given talents with the school and wider community,” said a spokesperson for the school.

“We named the music room after founder UB40 member Brian Travers, who shared his talent with the world and encouraged young people to follow their vocation to play music into adult life.

“He inspired many musicians with his work and we hope that his legacy will live on in our school music curriculum.”

Oskar Pineau is a St Edward’s pupil with an exceptional talent for music and has, on many occasions, supported the school’s Catholic Curriculum by playing piano at Masses and Gospel Assemblies over the years.

On this special day, Oskar was awarded the UB40 award for contribution to music at St Edward’s – which will be an annual award presented by one of the band members each year.

The school was privileged to also welcome Brian’s wife and daughter who said they were very touched by the tribute to Brian, after losing him nearly two years ago, following his battle with cancer.

“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,” said Traver’s daughter Lisa.

“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.”

The reggae group recently announced a major UK tour where they will perform at Birmingham’s Resorts World Arena in 2024.

Story by William Kelly, The Catholic Network