The Specials lead singer Terry Hall has sadly died aged 63.
The band shared the news in a statement shared via Twitter on Monday night.
They wrote in a statement: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing, following a brief illness, of Terry, our beautiful friend, brother and one of the most brilliant singers, songwriters and lyricists this country has ever produced.”
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing, following a brief illness, of Terry, our beautiful friend, brother and one of the most brilliant singers, songwriters and lyricists this country has ever produced. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/qJHsI1oTwp
— The Specials (@thespecials) December 19, 2022
“Terry was a wonderful husband and father and one of the kindest, funniest, and most genuine of souls. His music and his performances encapsulated the very essence of life… the joy, the pain, the humour, the fight for justice, but mostly the love.”
“He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him and leaves behind the gift of his remarkable music and profound humanity.”
“Terry often left the stage at the end of The Specials’ life-affirming shows with three words…’Love Love Love’. We would ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy at this very sad time,” the band added.
We would ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy at this very sad time.🖤 (4/4)
— The Specials (@thespecials) December 19, 2022
The Specials were formed in 1977 by Jerry Dammers, Lynval Golding and Horace Panter – with Terry, Neville Staple, Roddy Byers and John Bradbury joining a year later.
Their hit songs include A Message To You, Rudy, Rat Race and Ghost Town.
A host of famous faces have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to Terry following his sudden death.
Elvis Costello tweeted: “Sad to receive the news of Terry Hall’s passing last night from Lynval Golding. Terry’s voice was the perfect instrument for the true and necessary songs on The Specials. That honesty is heard in so many of his songs in joy and sorrow. My condolences to his family and friends.”
Sad to receive the news of Terry Hall’s passing last night from Lynval Golding. Terry’s voice was the perfect instrument for the true and necessary songs on “The Specials”. That honesty is heard in so many of his songs in joy and sorrow. My condolences to his family and friends.
— Elvis Costello (@ElvisCostello) December 20, 2022
Jane Wiedlin wrote: “Gutted to hear of the passing of #terryhall. He was a lovely, sensitive, talented and unique person. Our extremely brief romance resulted in the song Our Lips Are Sealed, which will forever tie us together in music history. Terrible news to hear this.”
Boy George wrote: “Very sad to hear about Terry Hall! Absolutely loved him as an artist. Sad day!”
Matt Goss tweeted: “I’m in shock that one of my favourite singer songwriters, Terry Hall has passed away. The Specials represent my youth, they represent everything about my teenage years, they were THE BAND that got us out of our homes and into the school discos & clubs!”
