“You were the glue that held the band together”: Ultravox frontman Midge Ure pays tribute to ex-bandmate Chris Cross after his death at 71

Chris Cross, a member of the band Ultravox, passed away at the age of 71 on March 25, 2024, according to Mirror. The cause of his death is currently unknown and more details are yet to be released. Midge Ure, his former bandmate, shared the news of his death on April 2, 2024, through social media and paid tribute to him.

The band leader praised him as the essential “glue”that kept the group united and conveyed his sadness at his departure.

“You were the glue that held the band together. You were the logic in the madness and the madness in our lives,”he wrote.

Midge Ure Honors Former Ultravox Member Chris Cross

Chris Cross, known by his real name Chris Allen, was a renowned musician and the bass guitarist for Ultravox. He played a crucial role in shaping the band’s sound during the late 1970s and early 1980s, contributing to popular songs such as Reap the Wild Wind, Dancing with Tears in My Eyes, and many others. Additionally, he collaborated with Ure to write the hit track Vienna for the band.

Ure announced the passing of his former bandmate and fondly remembered their years of collaboration. He reminisced about their strong camaraderie, describing himself and Chris Cross as “instant friends”and “Ultravox comrades.”

“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,”he wrote.

After expressing his love for the artist, Ure referred to him as the “glue that kept the band united”and concluded by saying:

“It was great to know and grow with you. You are loved and missed old friend.”

On April 2, 2024, Ultravox honored their late bass guitarist in light of the “devastating news.”In an Instagram post, they fondly remembered Chris Cross as a “sweet, kind, and funny”person who radiated a sense of peace and calm. They also praised his welcoming nature and expressed:

“He would welcome you into his home with a cup of tea, a big smile and bigger hug, and happily chat for hours about life, the universe and everything (oh and a bit of Ultravox).”

The band referred to Cross as a “childhood hero”and expressed their sadness upon hearing the news of his passing. They also extended their gratitude for his music and friendship, while sending their condolences to his loved ones.

“You’re never quite prepared for the loss of a childhood hero, and this hurts. Rest in peace, my friend. Thank you for the music. Thank you more for your friendship. My love and condolences to your friends and family,”they added.

The Rise of Chris Cross and Ultravox

Originally known as Tiger Lily, Ultravox is a synth-pop band hailing from Britain that rose to prominence in the late 1970s. Its commercial success reached its peak in the early 1980s with the release of the hit album Vienna, which featured the talents of members such as Chris Cross, Midge Ure, Warren Cann, and Billy Currie, according to Metro.

Chris Cross, a British musician, gained recognition as the bassist for the band. He was born on July 14, 1952 in London, England and became a member of Ultravox in the 1970s soon after its inception. Together with fellow bandmates John Foxx, Warren Cann, and Billy Currie, Cross played a pivotal role in the creation of the group’s initial albums.

Despite releasing five albums in the 1980s, Ultravox disbanded but later reunited in 2009. Their final album, Brilliant, was released in 2012 and reached number 21 on the UK Albums Chart.