Former UB40 member Astro, real name Terence Wilson, has died aged 64.
Wilson (pictured right), who performed in the iconic reggae-pop band for over three decades, died after a short illness, his current band confirmed. A statement on the Ali Campbell and Astro Facebook page 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."
Astro co-founded UB40 in the late '70s but left them in 2013. Since then, he joined up with lead singer Ali Campbell to create a breakaway group, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro. They were set to hit the road in 2022.
A statement from the current UB40 line-up on Twitter said: "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."
In August, fellow UB40 founding member and saxophonist Brian Travers died of cancer aged 62.
