Tributes to UB40’s Astro from Frank Bruno and across the world

UB40 founder member Astro died after a short illness aged 64
Astro, founder member of UB40Astro, founder member of UB40
Astro, founder member of UB40

Tributes have flooded in for UB40 founder member Terence Wilson, better known as Astro who has died aged 64.

The band announced his death over the weekend on Twitter. Fellow UB40 bandmate, saxophonist Brian Travers died in August aged 62.

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UB40 rose to fame across the world in the early 1980s with their unique take on British reggae and found success with hits like Red Red Wine and Can’t Help Falling In Love.

They were formed in Birmingham and named after the then government’s unemployment benefit form - with their first gig being at the Hare and Hounds in Kings Heath.

Astro performed with UB40 for more than 30 years

He left in 2013 to perform with a breakaway group, also called UB40, featuring Ali Campbell which was due to go on tour in 2022.

A statement from the current UB40 line-up on Twitter said: "RIP Astro.

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"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 family."

Thousands followed to pay tribute to the much loved musician.

These included boxer Frank Bruno who attended a New Year’s Eve concert with UB40 in Portugal.

Smoothe radio presenter Angie Greaves also paid tribute on Twitter saying how devastated she was.

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Broadcaster Kay Burley was another public face who took to social media to express her condolences.

Tributes were made across the world, including Italy, Spain and France.

Many tributes were paid in Hawaii where fans told how UB40 had been like The Beatles to them throughout the years.

Hawaii radio station Island 98.5  posted on instagram to say they were “absolutely devastated”.

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Their full message reads: “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.”

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