Ultravox star Chris Cross, who co-wrote smash hit Vienna, has died | Ents & Arts News

Ultravox star Chris Cross has died, his bandmate Midge Ure has introduced, in a tribute paid to his pal as “the glue that held the band collectively”.

The musician, whose actual identify was Chris Allen, was the bass guitarist with the brand new wave band, greatest identified for his or her 1981 hit Vienna.

He died on 25 March, based on studies, however the information was shared final evening. No additional particulars have been given.

In his tribute, posted on social media, Ultravox frontman Ure mentioned: “We labored collectively, we performed collectively, made music and directed movies collectively. We have been immediate buddies in addition to Ultravox comrades.

“Even after years aside we managed to choose up the place we left off just like the years in between by no means existed. You have been the glue that held the band collectively. You have been the logic within the insanity and the insanity in our lives. It was nice to know and develop with you. You might be liked and missed outdated pal.”

Keyboard participant Billy Currie additionally paid tribute, writing on his Fb web page: “Hello Individuals, Very unhappy to listen to about Chris… We had some wonderful occasions collectively. Laughing largely.”

Allen was one of many founding members of Tiger Lily, the band that went on to grow to be Ultravox, within the mid-Seventies.

Ure, who was not a part of the unique line-up, took over as frontman from John Foxx in 1979, main the band to the largest hits of their profession.

‘Incredible legacy’

Vienna was Ultravox’s highest charting single, peaking at quantity two in February 1981 – and was famously saved off the highest spot for 3 weeks straight by Joe Dolce’s Shaddup You Face, based on the Official Charts Firm.

The tune was the sixth greatest single of the 12 months within the UK, and was voted the nation’s favorite quantity two single in a ballot by Radio 2 and Official Charts in 2013.

Different hits included Dancing with Tears in My Eyes, All Stood Nonetheless and Reap The Wild Wind.

Comply with a cut up, the band reunited in 2008 and toured the next 12 months. They’d 16 high 40 singles and 10 high 40 albums in whole.

Followers have additionally paid tribute on social media, with one writing on X, previously Twitter: “Such unhappy information in regards to the passing of Chris Cross. He was an integral a part of each incarnations of Ultravox and an ideal musician who will likely be sadly missed.”

Responding to Ure’s submit, one other mentioned: “Unhappy occasions, nice reminiscences, improbable legacy of unimaginable music. RIP.”