UB40 ADD

RIP Terence 'ASTRO' Wilson - UB40 Founding Member Dead at 64

11/07/2021 by Reggaeville

RIP Terence ‘Astro’ Wilson (June 24, 1957 - November 6, 2021)

UB40 founding member Terence Wilson aka Astro has died at the age of 64. 
The sad news was shared on November 6 on the various social media accounts of UB40 feat. Ali Campbell & Astro:

"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. Terence ‘Astro’ Wilson 1957 - 2021"

Ali Campbell left the original UB40 line-up in 2008 citing business management and financial issues and was vindicated when said managers were struck off, with Astro following suit to join up with him again in 2013 to record and tour as UB40 feat. Ali Campbell & Astro. 

Three months ago UB40's founding member Brian David Travers lost his battle against cancer. 

Astro's death caused a huge extent of news coverage worldwide and condolences from the music fraternity:

STEEL PULSE:
"What a Shock - To all the UB’s, our “bredrens from Brum,” words fail me at this moment in time. This era of greatness is appearing to be closing in on all of us. Nevertheless, press on in knowing that your music has brought gaiety to the hearts of millions across the globe, and will do so for decades to come. Astro; with that constant smiling face.. RIP RIP.... Sincere condolences to family, fans and friends."

EDDY GRANT:
"Terence Astro Wilson and of course the world which loved the music of which he was an integral part will feel the loss along with his close family and personal friends. Life lost at 64 can be seen, when looking back, as in his case, as having been very productive. Yes, the band Astro helped to form named UB40 achieved tremendous success in the music business  and made its mark in terms of societal equilibrium. He was a magnet in the lineup of UB40 when on stage with his totally laid back posture and that look that said: Are you having a good time mate? cos I am. Life can be stressful when one has to choose between close friends. So, let there be peace in the valley, as we pay our respects to our fallen brother. Rest In Peace Astro."

TIPPA IRIE:
"Well I just don't know what to say but wow this is crazy news condolenes goes out to the family
ASTRO was always nice and respectful to me I have toured with UB40 many times and we always got on 
really sad new fly safe king we will miss you."

HON. OLIVIA "BABSY" GRANGE:
"The Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, the Honourable Olivia Babsy Grange, has expressed sadness on learning of the passing of former member of the UB40 group, Terrence Wilson, otherwise known as Astro: Very sadly Astro has now joined the list of illustrious Reggae singers and musicians who have left us recently. He was an outstanding member of UB40 who contributed greatly to the heights attained by the group. I extend condolences to his family, relatives and friends and to his former band members. Rest in peace Astro."

WINSTON FRANCIS:
"Another founding member gone #ub40. Wow!! In shock once again . Rest in peace brother Astro."

IN THE PRESS

• UB40 FOUNDING MEMBER ASTRO DIES FOLLOWING SHORT ILLNESS [CNN]
• TRIBUTES PAID TO UB40 TOASTER ASTRO WHO HAS DIED [NME]
• TERENCE ‘ASTRO’ WILSON, LONGTIME UB40 VOCALIST, DEAD AT 64 [Rolling Stone]
• UB40 FORMER MEMBER ASTRO DIES AFTER SHORT ILLNESS [BBC]
• FORMER UB40 MEMBER ASTRO DIES AFTER SHORT ILLNESS [The Guardian]
• UB40 FOUNDING MEMBER ASTRO DIES FOLLOWING SHORT ILLNESS [Jamaica Observer]
• CELEBRITY TRIBUTES POUR IN FOR UB40 STAR ASTRO AFTER HE DIES AT 64 [Birmingham Mail]