Astro dead – Founding member of UB40 passes away after ‘short illness’ as reggae band pays tribute to ‘beloved’ star

TRIBUTES have been paid to Astro from UB40 who has died at the age of 64.

The Brummie singer, who was a founding member of the pop-reggae band, was said to have passed away after a short illness.

Astro from UB40 has died

A statement on the Ali Campbell and Astro Twitter page said: “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.”

Named after a British unemployment benefit form, UB40 were formed by former school pals in a welfare line in 1978.

The multiracial lineup reflected the working-class community in Birmingham their members came from. 

Astro left the chart-topping Birmingham band in 2013 to team up with Campbell and Virtue in a new, breakaway version of UB40.

Fans of the musician rushed to pay tribute.

One said: “So sad, he was so lovely.”

Another wrote: “A local hero to Birmingham but a worldwide legend #rip.”

In August this year saxophonist Brian Travers died of cancer aged 62.

“Brian passed away yesterday evening with his family by his side after a long and heroic battle with cancer”, added UB40’s Facebook statement.

No other mention of his cause of death has been made.

Getty – ContributorUB40 in 1983, from left Astro (Terence Wilson), Norman Hassan, Brian Travers, Ali Campbell, Earl Falconer, Jimmy Brown, Robin Campbell, Mickey Virtue[/caption]

GettyVocalists Ali Campbell and Astro and keyboardist Mickey Virtue of UB40 performs at SAP Center on January 28, 2017 in San Jose, California[/caption]

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