Terry Hall (1959-2022), frontman of the English ska band The Specials, has died at the age of 63. His bandmates made it public. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Terry, our wonderful friend, brother and one of the most brilliant singer, songwriter and lyricist this country has ever produced, following a short illness,” the band tweeted.
The group continued, “Terry was a wonderful husband and father and one of the kindest, funniest and most genuine people. His music and performances embodied the essence of life…the joy, the pain, the humor, the fight for justice, but above all love.”
Neville Staple, 67, Terry Hall’s bandmate on the Specials and Fun Boy Three, tweeted that he was “deeply saddened” by the news. “We knew Terry was ill, but until recently we didn’t realize how serious it was,” he wrote. They had just confirmed some joint projects for 2023. “This has hit me hard and must be extremely difficult for Terry’s wife and family.”
Terry Hall joined The Specials – then known as Automatics – shortly after the band’s formation in 1977. They released their debut single “Gangsters” in 1979 which reached number six in the UK Singles Chart. Her self-titled debut album followed in October 1979. The band enjoyed many successes over the next two years, reaching number one in 1981 with their single “Ghost Town”. The Specials then split up, Hall founded Fun Boy Three and later Colourfield and Vegas, and started solo projects.
The Specials with Terry Hall then went on tour again in 2009 to celebrate the band’s 30th anniversary. In 2019, the singer released the successful album “Encore” with the specials. Hall is survived by his wife, director Lindy Heymann. According to media reports, they had a son. He has two sons with his ex-wife Jeanette Hall.
