He passed away at age 63.
Terry Hall, the lead singer of the popular English ska band The Specials, has died at the age of 63.
The band confirmed the news in a statement on its social media on Monday night (19 December) in which they said Hall passed away following “a brief illness”.
The singer became famous with The Specials thanks to their songs ‘Gangsters’, ‘Ghost Town’ and ‘Too Much Too Young’, as well as their cover of ‘A Message to You Rudy’.
As well as his work with The Specials, Hall was a member of the bands Fun Boy Three; the Colourfield; Terry, Blair & Anouchka; and Vegas and released two solo studio albums.
He also collaborated with many artists including Bananarama, D12, Damon Albarn, David Stewart, Dub Pistols, Gorillaz, Lily Allen, Shakespears Sister, Sinéad O’Connor, Stephen Duffy, the Lightning Seeds and Tricky.
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
“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,” The Specials said.
“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.”
Tributes have poured in for Hall following his death, with The Go-Go’s Jane Wiedlin writing:
“Gutted to hear of the passing of Terry Hall. 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.”
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. 😢 pic.twitter.com/Fxxqr0p01T
— Jane Wiedlin (@janewiedlin) December 19, 2022
Singer-songwriter Billy Bragg said: “The Specials were a celebration of how British culture was envigorated by Caribbean immigration but the onstage demeanor of their lead singer was a reminder that they were in the serious business of challenging our perception of who we were in the late 1970s. RIP Terry Hall.”
The Specials were a celebration of how British culture was envigorated by Caribbean immigration but the onstage demenour of their lead singer was a reminder that they were in the serious business of challenging our perception of who we were in the late 1970s. RIP Terry Hall pic.twitter.com/PVwbXyXubq
— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) December 19, 2022
Meanwhile, singer-songwriter Elvis Costello described Hall’s voice as “the perfect instrument for the true and necessary songs” of The Specials.
“That honesty is heard in so many of his songs in joy and sorrow. My condolences to his family and friends,” he added.
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
For more tributes to Hall, see below.
Very sad to hear about Terry Hall! Absolutely loved him as an artist. Sad day! #thespecials
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) December 19, 2022
Goes without saying but thanks Terry Hall for all the music, inspiration, and being kind to us when we were starting out. So sad. Thoughts with family and friends. RIP. pic.twitter.com/eHdBCOTou7
— The Coral (@thecoralband) December 20, 2022
Very sorry and shocked, to hear the sad news about the lovely, and brilliant Terry Hall. Rest in peace Terry. All the best to Terry's family and The Specials. Love from Dexys.
— Dexys (& Dexys Midnight Runners) (@DexysOfficial) December 20, 2022
Heartbroken to hear the news that @terryhall_ has died. As a 16 year old rudeboy in 79 he was the coolest of the cool. I can’t believe it, devastating news.
— Michael Smiley (@mrmichaelsmiley) December 19, 2022
I was just reflecting with a friend the other day, on the complete pop genius of Our Lips Are Sealed. Only one gem among so many, of course. Deeply saddened by the news of Terry Hall’s passing. The Specials to FB3, to Colour Field and more, and back to The Specials. Such talent.
— Paul McLoone (@PMcLoone) December 19, 2022
One of the greatest frontmen from one of the greatest bands.
And a gorgeous, kind, down to earth man. I’ll miss his music, his United post match honesty, his messages. 💔
❤️ Terry Hall Forever ❤️ pic.twitter.com/etTSo5Pl20— Rowetta🎙 (@Rowetta) December 19, 2022
Terry Hall was a massive influence growing up for me. A total original, Anti Thatcher, lover of ska and a true social commentator during a deeply shitty time RIP Terry Hall#specials #gangster #TooMuchTooYoung https://t.co/pOMkLYVcyI
— . (@seanpertwee) December 20, 2022
Rest In Peace Terry Hall. King of the Suedeheads. A big man. Hope you find peace now mate. ❤️
— Sleaford Mods (@sleafordmods) December 19, 2022
We are very sad to hear of the passing of Terry Hall the lead singer of @thespecials
Another one gone too soon!RIP Terry#terryhall #rip pic.twitter.com/P0n9InMVpu
— UB40 (@UB40OFFICIAL) December 20, 2022
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