UB40 founding member Astro dies after short illness

Former UB40 member Astro, whose real name was Terence Wilson, has died after a short illness, his current band has confirmed.

The musician went on to perform with a breakaway group called UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro.

A statement on the band’s official Twitter said: “We are absolutely devastated and completely heartbroken to have to tell you that our beloved Astro has today passed away after a very short illness.

“The world will never be the same without him. We ask you to please respect his family’s privacy at this incredibly difficult time.”

Paul McCartney on loving John Lennon, the Beatles break-up and his Irish family

---

U2: Your Song Saved My Life – The pipe and slippers phase of the megastars’ career

---

The Music Quiz: Jack O’Rourke waxes lyrical about which country legend?

---

Astro was a member of UB40 from the late 1970s until 2013 when he left to team up with Campbell and keyboardist Mickey Virtue, who had previously quit.

Virtue later departed the breakaway group after the release of its 2018 album A Real Labour Of Love.

A statement from the current UB40 line-up said: “RIP Astro. We have heard tonight the sad news that ex-member of UB40, Terence Wilson, better known as Astro, has passed away after a short illness. Our sincere condolences to his family.”

UB40 formed in 1978 in Birmingham, choosing their name as a reference to a form issued to people claiming unemployment benefits at the time.

The band produced hits including Red Red Wine and Falling In Love With You.

In June, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro performed a special online concert of UB40’s 1980 album Signing Off in its entirety.

Since Campbell and Astro reunited in 2013, they have embarked on multiple UK arena tours, while their world tours have included visits to North and South America, Nigeria, South Africa, Dubai and Australia, as well as the vineyards of New Zealand for a Red Red Winery Tour. – PA