- The bass player whose real name was Chris Allen died last week aged 71
Ultravox star Chris Cross, who played the bass and co-wrote their classic hit Vienna, has died age 71.
The musician – real name Chris Allen – died on March 25 but the sad news was only announced late last night. His cause of death has not been revealed.
Ultravox frontman Midge Ure paid tribute to his friend: ‘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.’
Keyboardist Billy Currie told his followers: ‘Hi People. So sorry to hear about Chris. Very shocked. We had some amazing times together. Laughing mostly.’
Born in London, Chris’ early love of music was sparked by bands like Small Faces and artists such as Desmond Dekker.
He started playing bass to groups in and around Tottenham, joining a band called Stone Rose, who went on to create Ritzi. Chris, however, decided to focus on his education choosing to study psychology.
But his love of music prevailed and Chris joined the Tiger Lily band in 1974. Two years later the rock band was given a record deal with Island Records and changed its name to Ultravox.
It gained recognition for its first album Ure, before making its commercial breakthrough – and wowing music fans along the way – with their synthpop classic Vienna.
Through the band’s heyday – between 1980 and 1986 – they secured seven Top Ten albums and seventeen Top 40 Singles.
The band split in 1996 but reunited in 2008. The next year they carried out a reunion tour and released their final album Brilliant, in 2012 which was their first album of new material in three decades.
The album reached number 21 in the UK charts.
Tributes flooded in on social media after his death was announced.
One wrote: ‘His basslines, from the Lonely Hunter and the Wild, the Beautiful and the Damned, to Astradyne and Same Old Story, are part of what inspired me to go out there a be a musician! Rock in peace.’
Another said: ‘Shocked and gutted by this news today. One is never prepared for the loss of their adolescent musical heroes. Rest in peace Chris. Thank you for sharing your gift with us.’
A third added: ‘My very first concert back in May 1984 was Ultravox, I remember it like it were yesterday. RIP Chris, thank you for the music and memories.’
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
