UB40’s Astro dies after short illness as tributes for founding member pour in

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Astro, one of the founding members of UB40, has died after a "short illness".

His bandmates have paid tribute to the "beloved" star, whose real name was Terence Wilson.

The Brummie musician was 64, and was one of the original members of the reggae band.

A statement on the Ali Campbell and Astro Twitter page 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.”

Astro left the original band in 2013, to form a new version of the group called UB40 featuring Ali Campbell & Astro and others, with Campbell and Mickey Virtue.

Fans have been paying tribute to Astro on social media as they learned of his sad death.

One wrote: "So sad, he was so lovely."

Another added: "A local hero to Birmingham but a worldwide legend #rip.

"So incredibly sad RIP Astro," said one fan.

"Heartbroken" said another.

One tribute read: "Shocked and saddened to hear this. Thoughts with his family and Ali. RIP Astro."

His death follows the passing of fellow band mate Brian Travers.

Travers was the UB40 saxophonist and co-songwriter, who passed away in August from cancer at the age of 62.

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