UB40’s Astro has died aged 64. 

The musician, real name Terence Wilson, who joined the Red Red Wine group in 1979, passed away “after a very short illness,” UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro confirmed on social media. 

“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,” they posted. “The world will never be the same without him.

“We ask you to please respect his family’s privacy at this incredibly difficult time.”

Astro was a member of the UB40 line-up from March 1979 – November 2013, after which he left and joined the new group, which performs as UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro.

Following news of his passing, the official UB40 paid tribute to their former bandmate on social media, sharing in their own post: “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.”

The sad news comes as the group was set to return to the stage in February/March 2022 for UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro’s ‘Unprecedented’ Tour, which was previously delayed due to the pandemic.

The band also had a date booked at the 2022 Isle of Wight Festival.