UB40‘s Terence Wilson, also known as Astro, died on November 6 at the age of 64.
An official statement released on November 7 from a spokesperson confirmed the news.
The statement read, “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 & ASTRO (@UB40) November 6, 2021
The current group members of UB40 also paid tribute to their beloved bandmate when they heard of his passing. “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,” they wrote on Twitter.
“Our sincere condolences to his family.”
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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
According to Spin, Astro joined the group in March 1979 and was the reggae band’s toaster. Astro was part of the group’s lineup for over 30 years and contributed to the execution of the band’s hits songs like the 1983’s cover of “Red Red Wine” and 1993’s cover of “(I Can’t Help) Falling In Love.”
Astro left the band in 2013 and joined its offshoot, UB40, featuring Ali Campbell and Astro, which was supposed to tour in 2022.
