Singer, musician and former member of UB40 Terence Wilson - better known by his stage name Astro - has died on Saturday (November 6) after a short illness. He was 64-years old.
As per a statement released on the Twitter account run by Astro and his current bandmate Ali Campbell, news of the singer and trumpet player's passing was confirmed late Saturday evening.
"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," read the message.
"The world will never be the same without him.
"We ask you to please respect his family’s privacy at this incredibly difficult time."
https://twitter.com/UB40/status/1457085875209359368?s=20
Astro joined the Birmingham-based band in 1979 shortly after their formation and stayed with them for more than 30 years before leaving in 2013 and ultimately forming a new musical partnership with Campbell. The pair were due to embark on a string of tour dates in 2022.
UB40's distinctive take on British reggae saw them helm hits like 'Red Red Wine' and 'Can't Help Falling in Love' following their breakout moment in the early 1980s. Named after an unemployment benefit form, the band spawned three number one hit singles and sold over 70 million records.
"RIP Astro" read a statement from UB40's current line-up, posted late last night.
"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."
The singer left the band in 2013, saying that it was making him "miserable" and comparing it to a "rudderless ship". Despite this, Astro continued to perform live, saying in a 2016 interview with UK Music Reviews that "there is no job on this planet that gives you the job satisfaction that I get. I live to be on stage."
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