Astro, UB40 Toaster, Dead at 64

UB40‘s Terence Wilson, better known by his stage name Astro, passed away on Nov. 6. at the age of 64. His group broke the news in a statement yesterday, writing: “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.”

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 & ASTRO (@UB40) November 6, 2021

Astro joined UB40 in March 1979, just a few months after its inception, and served as the reggae band’s toaster. He was part of the lineup for more than three decades and helped contribute to their biggest hits, 1983’s cover of “Red Red Wine” and 1993’s cover of “(I Can’t Help) Falling In Love.”

He left the band in 2013 to join its offshoot, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro. That group was supposed to tour next year.

The current iteration of UB40 also paid tribute to Astro when they heard of his passing. “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,” they wrote on Twitter. “Our sincere condolences to his family”

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 family

UB40 pic.twitter.com/6huxc1wN8k

— UB40 (@UB40OFFICIAL) November 6, 2021

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