Music star Chris Cross dies as Ultravox's Midge Ure pays tribute

July 26, 2024

Chris Cross – real name Chris Allen – has passed away with the frontman of his band, Ultravox, paying tribute to the star in a heartbreaking post.

The star, who co-wrote their hit song Vienna, passed away on March 25, but the news of Chris Cross’ death has only just been announced. Chris Cross was one of the founding members, before the group changed their name to Ultravox. Forming in 1974 as Tiger Lily, they had singer Dennis Leigh as the frontman, as well as Stevie Shears on guitar, Warren Cann on drums and Billy Currie who played violin and keyboard.

Ultravox’s Chris Cross dies

Frontman Midge Ure paid tribute to Chris on Facebook.

The celebrity wrote: “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”.

Cross’ cause of death has not been shared.

The band changed several times throughout the years

In 1976, the band changed their name to Ultravox and released three albums in the next two years. These were called Ultravox!, Ha!-Ha! and Systems of Romance. Although none of the records hit mainstream charts, they had a devoted following.

Midge Ure came on board to join Chris Cross and Ultravox in 1979, after guitarist Robin Simon and lead singer John Foxx left.

They got to work on their breakthrough album, Vienna, and it was released in July 1980.

The single with the same name was released in the following January and spent four weeks at number two in the charts. It became the fifth best-selling single in the UK that year.

Midge Ure also paired up with Sir Bob Geldog to co-found the Band Aid video which cemented itself into history. Ultravox’s Chris Cross also worked on projects outside the group, collaborating with Ure by directing music videos, such as Bananarama’s Shy Boy.

They released five more albums throughout the 1980s, Rage in Eden, Quartet, Monument, Lament and U-Vox.

They went their own ways for a number of years, but reunited in 2009 for a tour.

In 2012 Ultravox released its final record, Brilliant, and Chris Cross was co-writer on all songs alongside Ure and Currie.

Fans pay tribute to Ultravox’s Chris Cross

Fans have taken to social media to pay tribute to the star.

One wrote on Twitter: “So sorry for your loss Midge. Chris and you guys were the soundtrack of my youth, and still love you guys to bits.”

“Huge shock and loss. Deepest sympathy to Chris’s family and friends,” wrote another.

A second said: “That’s sad about Chris Cross. I interviewed all of Ultravox separately across one day once, and Chris stuck out as the least Ultravoxy. For all their success – and probably because of it – they’re definitely underrated.”

While a third penned: “Devastated to learn of the death of Chris Cross, bass player from Ultravox. Rest in peace, guy.”

And a fourth added: “Saddened to hear of the passing of Chris Cross who was in the legendary Ultravox and co wrote the iconic song Vienna sending condolences to his family and friends Rest in Peace Chris Cross.”