Astro, one of the founding members of UB40, has died after a “short illness”.
His bandmates have paid tribute to the “beloved” star, whose real name was Terence Wilson.
The Brummie musician was 64, and was one of the original members of the reggae band.
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.”
(Image: WireImage)
Astro left the original band in 2013, to form a new version of the group called UB40 featuring Ali Campbell & Astro and others, with Campbell and Mickey Virtue.
Fans have been paying tribute to Astro on social media as they learned of his sad death.
One wrote: “So sad, he was so lovely.”
Another added: “A local hero to Birmingham but a worldwide legend #rip.”
(Image: Getty Images)
“So incredibly sad RIP Astro,” said one fan.
“Heartbroken” said another.
One tribute read: “Shocked and saddened to hear this. Thoughts with his family and Ali. RIP Astro.”
“Rest In Peace Astro. Part of the soundtrack to my youth & our city” wrote another.
His death follows the passing of fellow band mate Brian Travers.
Travers was the UB40 saxophonist and co-songwriter.
(Image: Getty Images)
Travers passed away in August from cancer at the age of 62.
The band announced the news on a Facebook post: “Brian passed away yesterday evening with his family by his side after a long and heroic battle with cancer”.
The band was named after a British unemployment benefit form, and got together in 1978.
In September the band announced they would be playing the Isle Of Wight festival in 2022.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
