Terrence “Astro” Wilson, best known for his role in British reggae group UB40, has died at the age of 64 after a “very short illness”, his current band confirmed on Saturday.
Wilson is a founding member of the group, which was formed in 1979 in Birmingham, England. He served as the band’s “toaster”, a genre title given to a person who imparts lyrical, spoken word-like vocals over music.
After the duo left the band, he was touring with fellow founding UB40 member, Ali Campbell. His official Twitter account announced Wilson’s death in a statement on Saturday.
“We are absolutely shocked and utterly heartbroken to inform you that our dear Astro passed away today after a very short illness,” the statement read. “The world would never be the same without him.”
UB40 is best known for mixing reggae and pop together in its music, most notably “Red Red Wine,” “I Got You Babe” and “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love With You.” “
However, the band ran into issues in 2008, when Campbell, its lead singer, disagreements with management. Campbell left the group after almost 30 years.
According to the band’s website, Wilson followed in 2013, and the two had been performing together in recent years.
“Astro was less used in the early days of the UB40,” Campbell said in a statement on its website. “He played the lead in a few songs like ‘Rat in Mi Kitchen,’ but he was also overlooked despite the fact that the public loved him. Ever since he got into my fold, it’s pretty cool all the way.” Stayed.”
Wilson said that the year “rolled by” when he was reunited with Campbell, and he was enjoying making music with her again.
“I was a traditional reggae MC when I started performing, but my style evolved because I love a good music,” he said. “I became a sing-jay as opposed to a DJ.”
The current lineup of the UB40, without Campbell and Wilson mourned by tweet Saturday.