The musician, whose real name is Terence Wilson, passed away after a short illness.
The former singer from a split group, which included other artists such as Ali Campbell and Mickey Virtue
The former group members are the one that confirmed that former UB40 Astro, whose real name is Terence Wilson, has died.
A statement posted on the group's Twitter account said:
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.
The UB40 had a good time around the world, making it to the UK singles chart of more than 50 entries, including their hit single Red World Wine. The group has sold nearly a hundred million albums worldwide.
In an interview with The Guardian in May, Astro said the group had become the voice of workers who had many political and global problems when it was founded in 1978.
“I went through the same rigmarole as most black people in the late 70s,” he said “We found it harder to write love songs than militant lyrics, because it was a lot easier to write about stuff you had witnessed or read about. It seemed natural to us,”
In August, UB40 saxophone singer and songwriter Brian Travers died at the age of 62. He was also one of the founders of this reggae band. Brian died at his home in Moseley, Birmingham.
