Terry Hall was remembered as “really one of the greats” with a “golden heart” by the music community, which hailed The Specials’ frontman as “one of the all-time greats.”
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, Ghost Town, Gangsters, and Too Much Too Young provided the soundtrack to British life.
UB40, Boy George, and Elvis Costello paid their respects, with Costello stating that his voice “was the perfect instrument for the honest and important songs on The Specials.”
He continued, “This honesty can be heard in so many of his happy and sad songs.”
Costello produced The Specials’ self-titled debut album, released in 1979.
The band pioneered the Two Tone and ska movements, and its multiracial membership and use of pop music to portray a moment of instability, unemployment, and racial tension were innovative.
Billy Bragg observed, “The Specials were a celebration of how Caribbean immigration revitalized British society, but the onstage demeanor of their lead singer was a reminder that they were challenging our view of who we were in the late 1970s.”
Paul Willo, a friend and biographer of Hall, stated that the singer “had the voice of a generation.”
“He was a straightforward individual who spoke up for what he believed in. Together with the band, he was quite outspoken against racism and injustice in general,” he continued.
“There was so much unrest in the nation at that time… With the correct information and motives to be upset, I believe they became more powerful and he became more vocal.”
Frank Turner was born shortly after The Specials disbanded in 1981, yet he told Today that their music was still relevant.
Turner stated, “It was talking about the idea that there are tensions in society, there are things worth being furious about, there are divisions, and there are things we can do about them.”
“That was essential and current in the early 1980s, but when I first began listening to them as a child, it seemed important, relevant, and – I hesitate to say instructive – to me.
And I believe that the music of The Specials and the words and music of Terry Hall is still vital and significant today.
Singer-songwriters, pop stars, and dance performers were among those who lauded Hall for his influence.
Leftfield, a duo of electronic musicians, stated on Twitter that Hall was “such an incredible singer,” adding, “He sang about real people and real situations.” People with whom I could identify. Such a tragedy. A brave guy.”
Former Bros vocalist Matt Goss stated that The Specials were crucial because they “made you feel alive” and that Ghost Town was a “masterpiece.”
The Specials were THE BAND that pulled us out of our homes and into school discos and bars!” he wrote.
Power and sensibility
The Specials provided you with a sense of strength while enabling the delicate side of art to flow through your veins.
Andy Bell of the groups Ride and Oasis recalled the influence of The Specials’ music and appearance.
“At age 11, I wanted a Harrington jacket with red tartan lining, a Fred Perry shirt, black sta prest trousers, white socks, and black shoes with tassels, all because of this man’s music,” Bell remarked.
These two @the specials albums are great.
Former The Cure drummer Lol Tolhurst recalled watching Hall perform live twice, in 1979 and 2022.
“Both times Terry Hall stood motionless in the eye of the storm, a mournful counterpoint to the band’s exuberant intensity. “Beautifully bringing the eccentric and ironic melodies to life.”
Chris Difford of Squeeze said to Hall was “a man of few words orally but so many brilliant phrases in the song” and added, “I always loved and envied his penmanship. Use caution on the stairway above, young man.”
Carole Donnelly, a friend of Hall’s, remarked, “He was sweet, humorous, and timid. He was extraordinarily talented.
“He motivated me to overcome obstacles and hostility… to change hatred into love. That was the nature of the thing.
“He was and continues to be a legend in Coventry. It was a terrible time to be in the city, yet they encouraged us. I was in a relationship with a person of mixed race, and the political environment, music, and lyrics offered young people a voice.
When we met, I was 16 and he was 18, and we were both angry young punks. We learned to appreciate music and brought it all together, which has influenced so many generations of individuals.”
Rowetta, a member of the band Happy Mondays, stated to the radio station, “He believed in everything with complete conviction.” He would not sing without emotional phrases he did not understand. He composed lyrics with meaning.
He cared deeply about people, and his politics weren’t just for show; he truly wanted to assist the world.” He sincerely believed that. Love, love, love.”
The Specials were from Coventry, and The Beat’s Dave Wakeling, from nearby Birmingham, tweeted a photo of the two playing football with the caption, “Cryptic, droll, a golden heart, and he could tackle like a donkey!
Always a gentleman to The Beat, we extend our sympathies to his family and friends.
The Proclaimers referred to him as “an exceptionally gifted vocalist, songwriter, and lyricist with a deep sense of compassion.”
Also from Birmingham, UB40 penned, “Another one went far too soon! “Rest in peace, Terry”
Dexy’s Midnight Runners stated that they were “very saddened and surprised to hear the tragic news about the talented and charming Terry Hall.”
Other tribute bands included The Coral, who said, “Thank you, Terry Hall, for all the music, inspiration, and for being so kind to us when we were just starting. So sad.”
Canadian musician Ron Sexsmith recalled becoming a fan of The Specials’ music after watching them perform “Gangsters” on Saturday Night Live when he was 16 years old.
He continued, “It was an exciting time for music, and they were a significant contributor.”
