Ultravox bassist Chris Cross dies aged 71

Chris Cross, the bassist and founding member of the new-wave UK band Ultravox, died on March 25. He was 71.

Ultravox singer Midge Ure delivered the news of Cross’ death last night, writing, “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.” No cause of death has been announced.

Born Christopher Allen on 14 July 1952 in Tottenham, North London, Chris Cross found his calling in music at a young age, playing in a handful of bands throughout his teenage years and during his time studying art and psychology at university. In 1973, Cross formed the glam rock band Tiger Lily, a short-lived five-piece of Cross, John Foxx, Stevie Shears, Warren Cann and Billy Currie, who would eventually go on to form Ultravox.

After signing with Island Records in 1976, Ultravox released their debut self-titled album, co-produced by Steve Lillywhite and Brian Eno, which featured a number of Tiger Lily original songs.

Cross played an integral role in the band's assent into mainstream media, which was in large part due to the seminal synth-pop anthem ‘Vienna,’ co-written and composed by Cross, Cann, Currie, and Ure. An overnight success, ‘Vienna’ peaked at No. 2 on the charts, widely recognized as one of the greatest songs to miss out on the top spot.

“You were the glue that held the band together,” Ure wrote in his social media tribute post. “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.”