‘You were the glue that held Ultravox together’ at 71
Ure’s tribute to bass guitar star Chris after death
It was great to know and grow with you. You are loved and missed
MIDGE URE ON ULTRAVOX BASS GUITARIST AND OLD PAL CROSS
BY
MIDGE Ure yesterday paid tribute to former Ultravox bass guitarist Chris Cross who has died aged 71.
The 80s band’s singer said he became “instant friends” with the founder member when they met.
Cross, real name Chris
Allen, co-wrote Ultravox’s most famous single Vienna with his other bandmates.
Ure, 70, wrote: “We worked together, we played together, made music and directed videos together.
“Even after years apart we
POPULAR picked 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.” Ultravox keyboard player Billy Currie added: “Very sad to hear about Chris. We had some amazing times together. Laughing mostly.”
Cross died on March 25, according to reports, but the sad news was only shared this week.
Born in London on July 14, 1952, he formed the Tiger Lily band in 1974 alongside frontman Dennis Leigh and guitarist
Bassist in 82
Stevie Shears. The group became electronic pop group Ultravox! in 1976 with Ure, Currie and drummer Warren Cann joining later.
The exclamation mark was also later removed from their name.
They were inspired by the Rolling Stones, Beatles and glam artists such as David Bowie and the New York Dolls.
Vienna peaked at Number 2 in February 1981, but was kept off the top spot by Joe Dolce’s Shaddap You Face.
The hit was the sixth biggest single of the year in the UK,
and was voted the nation’s favourite Number 2 single in a poll by Radio 2 and the Official Charts in 2013.
Ultravox released several albums including Vienna, Rage in Eden and Quartet, and other singles such as Dancing with Tears in My Eyes, Reap the Wild Wind and Love’s Great Adventure. The group played at Live Aid in 1985 before splitting up.
They reunited for a tour in 2009 and appeared at the Isle of Wight festival. Ultravox released the track Brilliant in 2012 with Ure, Currie and Cross contributing to the lyrics and music and performing gigs.
The band had 16 top 40 singles and 10 top 40 albums .