Tributes poured in over the weekend after UB40 star Astro passed away after “a very short illness”. Astro whose real name was Terence Wilson died at the age of 64.
This news comes after fellow UB40 founding member Brian Travers passed away in August.
Alongside Travers, Astro founded the group from Birmingham in 1979. They went on to release 18 studio albums, including “Labour of Love”. That included the chart topping hit “Red Red Wine”.
UB40 also collaborated with Chrissie Hynde for “I Got U Babe”. The last record that he released with UB40 was “Getting Over The Storm” in 2013.
Astro later confirmed he was leaving the band, describing it as a “rudderless ship”. He pointed to a“serious lack of communication between the band and management”, as well as the musical direction the band had gone in on ‘Getting Over The Storm”.
Following Astro’s death, a message was posted on the UB40 Twitter page.
“RIP ASTRO,” it said. “We have heard tonight, the sad news that ex-member of UB40, Terence Wilson, better know as Astro, has passed away after a short illness. Our sincere condolences to his family”.
RIP ASTRO
We have heard tonight, the sad news that ex-member of UB40, Terence Wilson, better know as Astro, has passed away after a short illness.
Our sincere condolences to his familyUB40 pic.twitter.com/6huxc1wN8k
— UB40 (@UB40OFFICIAL) November 6, 2021
“Brum legend”
Following his death, fans sent in tributes in their droves for the UB40 legend.
“Sad to read of Astro’s passing”, one viewer wrote. “I grew up listening to UB40, Signing Off is such a brilliant album today. Saw him a few times down the Blues, always with a smile and always got a great reception”.
Another also added, “Bugger. Hard to believe, kids, but when I saw UB40 on the “Signing Off” tour, they were absolutely brilliant. Hard, political reggae with a melodic edge and a brilliant groove, a packed house just bouncing all night, and Astro was brilliant. RIP”.
Another tribute read,“UB40 were the bedrock of my youth. They’ve been integral to my adult years. Anyone who knows me will have unfortunately suffered either my poor karaoke or 3am control of the remote. Astro is a hero. Gutted. RIP”.
A tweet was also posted on the Ali Campbell and Astro, “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”.
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. pic.twitter.com/GRDjtApyzy
— ALI CAMPBELL (@UB40) November 6, 2021
