Ultravox star Chris Cross dies aged 71 as Midge Ure leads tributes
02.04.2024 - 09:17
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Ultravox star Chris Cross has died at the age of 71.
The singer-songwriter passed away on March 25, it has been announced. His former bandmate, Midge Ure, led the tributes.
The 70-year-old said: "We worked together, we played together, made music and directed videos together. We were instant friends as well as Ultravox comrades. Even after years apart, we managed to pick up where we left off like the years in between never existed. You were the glue that held the band together.
"You were the logic in the madness and the madness in our lives. It was great to know and grow with you. You are loved and missed, old friend."
Chris, whose real name was Chris Allen, joined the band Tiger Lilyk in 1974 before the group changed their name to Ultravox in the 1980s. He played alongside frontman Dennis Leigh and guitarist Stevie Shears before Warren Cann and William 'Billy' Currie became members of the group.
They rocketed to fame after their first album took off and were later joined by Midge in 1979. The Mirror reports that they were catapulted to the top of the charts following their fourth album, Vienna, which spawned the lead single.
Having split in 1996, the band went on to reunite in 2008 before heading out on tour the following year and also released their final album, Brilliant, in 2012, hitting number 21 on the Official UK Charts. Away from music, Chris studied psychology at college and obtained a qualification in the subject.
Tributes were also paid from fans.
One fan said: "Such devastating news. Great bass player and one of the most endearing images at Live Aid was the joy on his face as he was performing."
A second added: "So sad to read this Midge. I’ll never forget one lovely Sunday afternoon at his garden party, way back in