Terry Hall dead latest: Cause of death revealed as fans of The Specials all say the same thing
THE Specials' lead singer Terry Hall has been remembered for his "remarkable music" following his death at the age of 63 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
Hall’s bandmate Horace Panter took to Facebook to reveal the cause of the Ska icon’s death, as he hailed his "unique voice."
The post claims the singer had wanted to keep his illness a secret before he passed away on Sunday evening.
In a poignant tribute, one fan wrote: “One of THE greatest British music artists. An iconic and utterly individual frontman with THAT voice . This cuts so hard.”
A second said: ''Terry Hall was the voice of a musical revolution. Such an important person in music. I own so many records featuring him. I am really upset to hear he’s left us. Going to listen to Man at C&A now. RIP Sir. Thank you for the music.''
Read our Terry Hall live blog below for the latest tributes...
Terry Hall talked politics in 2019
Terry Hall was well known for his political stances and his activism.
Hall told The Big Issue magazine in 2019: "I find myself in awe of the mess, nightly listening to politicians giving their opinion and thinking, I don't necessarily trust any of you, really.
"It is pretty sad. I grew up aligned to a party, the Labour Party, quite strongly. Until Tony Blair made Noel Gallagher prime minister I knew exactly where I stood."
What is The Special's latest release?
The Special's most recent album came in 2021.
Named Protest Songs 1924-2012, it was described as “a typically unpredictable collection of unique takes from folk to post-punk, righteous uplift to biting satire, and from Kingston to Alabama”.
The project was originally set to release in 2020, but was put on hold due to Covid-19.
Elvis Costello remembers Terry Hall
Legendary singer Elvis Costello took to Twitter last night to pay tribute to Terry Hall.
He wrote: "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."
Fans pay tribute to Terry Hall
Across social media this morning, thousands of fans are paying tribute to the late Terry Hall.
One user wrote: "RIP Terry Hall. He was a good soul who leaves a tremendous legacy of music that will be forever revered.
"Ghost Town made a powerful statement about urban decay, racism and poverty in the UK at the same time as the riots of 1981. Very sad news of his passing. May he rest in peace."
While another added: "One of THE greatest British music artists. An iconic and utterly individual frontman with THAT voice . This cuts so hard."
Terry's bandmate pays tribute to late singer
Member of The Specials Neville Staple took to Twitter last night to pay tribute to his bandmate and friend.
He said: "I was deeply saddened to hear about Terry Hall's passing on Sunday. @SugaryStaple was called as we arrived in Egypt.
"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"
Terry Hall's call for equality
Terry Hall was known for his support for equality through both music and activism.
He said: “The bottom line is, respect each other, and love each other.
"It’s a bit idealistic, but it’s all that there is.”
Everything you need to know about The Specials
The Specials were formed in Terry Hall's home city of Coventry in 1977, by Jerry Dammers, Lynval Golding and Horace Panter - with Hall, Neville Staple, Roddy Byers and John Bradbury joining a year later.
The band were originally called The Automatics, before changing their name to The Coventry Automatics, The Specials AKA The Automatics and finally, in 1978, settling on The Specials.
The iconic Sca outfit would go on to produce songs such as Ghost Town, A Message to you, Rudy and Nelson Mandela.
Happy Monday’s singer pays tribute to Terry Hall
Happy Mondays singer Rowetta referenced his love for Manchester United as she wrote: "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."
What have The Specials said?
The Specials tweeted: "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'."