Astro from UB40 has died aged 64 – we remember the joy he and his music brought to the city

Astro at the Rainbow in 2009. (Image: BPM)

Terence Wilson, better known to many of us as Astro from UB40, sadly died aged 64 last Saturday.

He was a founding member of chart-topping band, and left the original lineup in 2013 to join Ali Campbell’s UB40 after the split.

His band and his talents helped to put Birmingham on the map for so many people around the country and the world.

READ MORE: UB40 lead tributes to founding member Astro after sudden death

He also loved his home city deeply – taking part in charity work and helping to spread the love in Birmingham.

Here are just a few pictures of Astro bringing smiles to our city over the years, from the Birmingham Live archive.

See more pictures of Birmingham in days gone by – and add your own – on MemoryLane.co.uk.

Did you ever get to meet Astro? What was he like? Comment below, or talk to us on social media.

Astro with UB40 at a donation drive for the Children’s Hospice, with the car donated by Rover.

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1989, with Astro fronting UB40 at the St. Andrew’s Stadium.

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Further back in time – 1984, with UB40 at the Odeon in Birmingham, with Astro front and centre.

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A hard day’s work… Astro relaxes with his bandmates at their recording studios in Digbeth in 1997.

(Image: POST AND MAIL)4 of 14

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UB40 recorded a song for Birmingham heavyweight boxer Pelé Reid in 1998.

Astro with Roger Hassan and Robin Campbell in 2000 – Alan Williams from Solihull was signed to test drive Formula 1 cars, and his car bore their name.

(Image: Birmingham Post and Mail)6 of 14

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Emmett Cooper, 9 years old in 2000, sung for UB40 at Millennium Point.

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Astro donated his original trumpet and a set of keyboards to the Fairbridge youth project in Digbeth, 2002.

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Astro and the band unveil a plaque for the Teenage Cancer Trust ward at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in 2006 – with the help of Sarah from Walsall.

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UB40 sponsored the Ryland Netball Club in Bromsgrove – the band showed up to meet and greet the members in 2008.

(Image: BPM)

The boys buy a bar… Astro at Robin Campbell’s new bar, Beckett’s at Snow Hill, in 1985.

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2018 – Astro and Mickey Virtue at the Pride of Birmingham Awards.

Astro and Brian Travers at a car raffle for Birmingham Children’s Hospital – meeting and greeting Molly and Sonny in 2005.