Founding UB40 member, Terence ‘Astro’ Wilson, dies at 64
Published:Monday | November 8, 2021 | 10:46 AM
Terence ‘Astro’ Wilson, a founding member of reggae group UB40, died on Saturday following a “short illness”. He was 64.
The news was confirmed via the musician’s official Twitter page, @UB40. “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,” the post read. “We ask you to please respect his family’s privacy at this incredibly difficult time.”
Wilson left UB40 in 2013. He joined Ali Campbell, the band’s former frontman, and together they worked with former UB40 keyboardist Mickey Virtue to form a breakaway version of the group. In 2014, the original group took legal action against Campbell, Wilson and Virtue over the use of the UB40 name.
Virtue left the group in late 2018, and Campbell and Wilson have performed as UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro since.
The current UB40 line-up expressed sadness at Wilson’s 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,” the account @UB40official tweeted, sending condolences to the family of Astro.