Founding member of UB40, Terrence Wilson aka Astro has passed away suddenly, according to a statement released by the band.
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
The reggae star, who was 64, passes away on Saturday November 6 after a brief illness.
He was a founding member of the UK based reggae band
He is the second member of UB40 to pass away this year, following the death of cowriter and saxophonist Brian Travers in August.
Astro had left UB40 in 2013 – along with other founding member Ali Campbell – to form new band ‘UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro’. and that band account also put put a statement on twitter.
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 (@UB40) November 6, 2021
UB40 have sold more than 70m records and have had three UK number one hits, with 39 singles and 28 albums in the UK top 40. Astro sang lead vocals on the single Rat In Mi Kitchen, which reached number 12 in 1987 – a song he wrote after fellow band mate Ali Campbell mentioned he had problems with rodents in his new apartment.