One of the founding members of British reggae band UB40, Terence Wilson, has died after a short illness, his band has announced.
Wilson, known by his stage name Astro, left the band in 2013 to perform with the breakaway group “UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro”.
Astro founded the iconic reggae band UB40 but left them in 2013 after more than 30 years – he performed in Teesside over the years.
Since then he has joined up with lead singer Ali Campbell to create a new version of the band. The pair were set to go out on tour in 2022 as UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro.
The news has come as a shock to the music world where Astro’s music with UB40 has been a staple for many decades since first breaking through in 1978.
Not including Campbell or Astro, UB40 are set to play Stockton Globe on November 28th this year on their Bigga Baggariddim Tour.
“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.”
In September, UB40 with Ali Campbell and Astro paid a visit to the region, performing in Middlesbrough’s central plaza and headlining the Stereo Open Air Festival.
The cause of Astro’s death has yet to be determined.
