Tributes have been paid to The Specials and former Fun Boy Three frontman, Terry Hall, who has died aged 63.
The news was confirmed shortly before 11pm tonight (19 December). A statement read: “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.
“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.”
Contemporaries flocked to pay tribute to Hall, who also fronted Fun Boy Three and enjoyed a successful solo career.
Former bandmate Neville Staple heard the news while on a family holiday in Egypt and said: “I was deeply saddened to hear about Terry Hall‘s passing on Sunday. We knew Terry had been unwell but didn’t realise how serious until recently. We had only just confirmed some 2023 joint music agreements together. This has hit me hard and must be extremely difficult for Terry’s wife and family. In the music world, people have many ups and downs, but I will hang onto the great memories of Terry and I, making history fronting The Specials and Fun Boy three together. Rest easy Terry Hall.”
The Go-Go’s Jane Wiedlin took to Twitter to say: “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.”
Squeeze’s Chris Difford said: “Terry Hall, a man of few words verbally but so many great words in song. I always admired and envied his sweep of the pen. Take care on the steps above young man.”
Broadcaster Matt Everitt added: “Terry Hall was a presence in my life for almost as long as I can remember. Unlike those vast cultural concepts of The Beatles, Bowie or The Stones, he was more like the big brother you looked up to, who occasionally pops home and leaves a record or two for you to obsess over.”
Happy Mondays’ Rowetta said: “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…”