Former UB40 member Astro dies after short illness | UB40

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His current squad confirmed that former UB40 member Astro, whose real name is Terence Wilson, died after a short illness.

The musician continued to perform with the breakaway band UB40, which includes Ali Campbell and Astro.

A statement on the band’s official Twitter said, “We are deeply saddened and deeply loved as we have to tell you that our beloved Astro passed away today after a very short illness.

“The world would not be the same without him. We ask that you respect his family’s privacy at this very difficult time.”

UB40 has enjoyed continued success with over 50 entries on the UK singles charts – including Red Wine Red and (I Can’t Help) Falling in Love with You. The group has sold about 100 million albums worldwide.

After leaving the band in 2013, Astro and former members Ali Campbell and Mickey Vertu reformed with a splinter group.

In an interview with The Guardian in May, Astro spoke of the band being the voice of working class discontent with many political and global issues when they formed in 1978.

“I went through the same way most blacks did in the late 1970s,” he said, recalling the “sus law” that allowed the arrest of people perceived to be acting suspiciously, often on flimsy and racist pretexts.

“It was a weekly event. We found it more difficult to write love songs than to write hardcore songs, because it was a lot easier to write about things you saw or read about. It just seemed natural to us.”

In August, saxophonist and songwriter Brian Travers passed away at the age of 62. The founding member of the reggae band passed away at his home in Mosley, Birmingham, surrounded by his family.

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