Midge Ure, a fellow member of the band Ultravox, paid homage to Chris Cross, describing him as “the glue that held the band together.”
Cross died at the age of seventy-one.
The news of the death of the iconic 80s musician—whose actual name is Chris Allen—was just publicized last night, albeit he passed away on March 25.
Billy Currie, Ultravox keyboardist, said it was a tragic loss and was taken aback. He said they had some very unforgettable moments with a lot of laughter.
Chris who was born in London on July 14, 1952, The exact reason for Cross’ death is still unknown.
In 1974, Cross joined vocalist Dennis Leigh, guitarist Stevie Shears, drummer Warren Cann, and violinist/keyboardist Billy Currie as one of the original members of Vienna, which was then known as Tiger Lily.
After changing their name to Ultravox in 1976, their first album, Ultravox!, put them on the map. The band enjoyed three albums of mediocre popularity until 1979 when Midge Ure signed on. Once Ure joined the band, they released their groundbreaking album Vienna, which included the hit track of the same name.
The glam rockers David Bowie and the New York Dolls and the late period of the Beatles and the Rolling Stones served as influences.
After a long break-up, the band reunited in 2009, much to the delight of fans, and released Brilliant, their last album, in 2010.
They had ten albums and 16 singles that peaked in the top 40.
The sound of performers like Desmond Dekker and the Small Faces inspired Chris to pursue music as a child.
He started playing in Tottenham-area bands and eventually joined Stoned Rose, where he met Pete Hughes and Mick Carroll (later of Ritzi fame).
Chris was also academically driven; he majored in psychology in college.
