In Memoriam: Chris Cross
Sad news to report today as Chris Allen, aka Chris Cross, of Ultravox, has died at the age of 71. Vocalist Midge Ure shared the news on Facebook.
“Chris was a sweet, kind and funny man who continually exuded a sense of peace and calm. 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),” Ure wrote. “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.”
Cross was born in Tottenham, London, England, in 1952 and was influenced as a young musician by artists like Small Aces, Desmond Dekker, and The Crazy World of Arthur Brown. He attended college and studied art and psychology. He answered an ad to join a band and formed Tiger Lily, which would ultimately become Ultravox in 1976.
The band released three albums before Ure joined the group, and they expanded on their synth-forward sounds. Cross would co-write the band’s biggest hit, “Vienna,” from the album of the same name.
Cross was with the band up until their 1987 disbandment. He wouldn’t take part in drummer Billy Currie’s reformed band in the ’90s, but he reunited with the classic lineup from 2008 to 2013.
Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Chris Allen.
