UB40’s Ali Campbell says the tour will go ahead in memory of bandmate Astro

Virgin Radio

1 Feb 2022, 14:58

The musician passed away after a short illness in November last year.

The latest UB40 tour is set to begin this month, and Campbell has said it will be going ahead in memory of his departed friend and bandmate of over four decades, Astro.

Speaking about the decision, he said: “I can’t wait to get back on stage and see all our wonderful fans. It’s going to be incredibly difficult without Astro by my side.

“Remembering Astro, let the music play on.”

Astro, more formally known as Terence Wilson, was one of the founding members of UB40 and was part of the band for more than 30 years.

He sadly died in November 2021 following a “short illness”.

In a statement on Twitter following the news, bandmate Campbell wrote: “We are absolutely devastated and completely heartbroken.”

UB40 have topped the UK charts three times and sold 70 million records worldwide. They are probably best known for their iconic cover of Neil Damond’s ‘Red Red Wine’ and for their version of ‘I Got You Babe’ with Chrissie Hynde.

In 2013, Astro and Campbell formed their own breakaway group, UB40 featuring Ali Campbell and Astro, and had already started playing some concerts in 2021 with plans to tour together this year.

It was unknown whether it would still be going ahead after news of Astro’s passing.

Ali Campbell has now confirmed he will be touring alone in memory of his late bandmate, and the tour is due to start on 25 February in London at the o2.

Other stops on the tour include Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena, Brighton Centre, Birmingham Utilita Arena and finishing in Sheffield City Hall on Sunday 6th March.

For more information on how to get tickets visit www.myticket.co.uk.