Terry Hall’s passing on December 18, 2022 marks a devastating day for all those who were fans of the legendary band ‘The Specials and the music Terry was so proud to be a part of. Terry had an incredible story that began in the quaint seaside town of Coventry, UK. Terry and his bandmates formed The Specials in 1977, and his unique sound has inspired generations of music fans.
Terry Hall, born March 19, 1959 in Coventry, England, was best known as the lead singer of the ska band The Specials and a former member of the Fun Boy Three. He had a checkered past that included being kidnapped by a pedophile ring when he was just 12 years old.
Before his 15th birthday, Terry Hall dropped out of school to find various short-term jobs, including bricklayer, rigger, and even a hairdresser’s apprentice. It was during this time that he joined the punk band Squad in which he was credited as one of their songwriters for the single “Red Alert”.
In 1979 he joined The Specials, who were part of the burgeoning 2 Tone movement that paved the way for the ska revival in Britain and other parts of Europe.
He originally served as a backup vocalist but eventually became lead vocalist replacing original vocalist Tim Strickland who left shortly after the release of his first single “Gangsters”.
Her powerful voice helped propel The Specials to success with “Gangsters” and “Too Much Too Young” reaching No. 1 in the UK Singles Charts in 1979 respectively. They followed with more successful singles such as “Rat Race” (1980), “Ghost Town” (1981), “Do Nothing” (1982) and each single helped solidify the ska revival among UK audiences and eventually in Europe. all the world.
In 1981 he left The Specials along with Lynval Golding to form the Fun Boy Three, where they released their debut album titled Waiting in 1982, which contained popular singles such as “The Lunatics Have Taken Over The Asylum” and “It Ain’t What You Do (It’s The way you do it).
This album would prove to be one of his most successful releases before disbanding due to creative differences in 1983. He went on to form other projects, namely Terry Blair & Anouchka, Vegas, Colourfield, while collaborating with Bananarama for their 1984 album Deep Sea Skiving. before finally returning to performing with The Specials for reunion tours beginning in 2008 until his death this year in 2021 at age 63.
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Throughout his career, Terry left an indelible mark not only within the 2-Tone Movement, but within music history in general through his powerful yet soulful voice that is sure to be forever remembered by fans of all the world.
Lindy Heymann is a celebrated British director and assistant director, known for directing Showboy (2002), The Laughing King (2016) and Kicks (2009). She graduated from the prestigious National Film and Television School with a Master’s Degree in Fiction Directing. Heymann has continued to collaborate with her former students ever since, including visual effects artist Terry Hall, with whom she worked on The Laughing King. Her list of works ranges from TV dramas, documentaries to feature films. Heymann’s work is marked by bold experimentalism coupled with realistic storytelling that has won much critical acclaim over the years.
How did Terry Hall die? Cause of death?
Terry Hall was a beloved figure in the music community, known for his unique voice and original compositions. On December 19, 2022, Terry Hall sadly passed away of natural causes at the age of 63 after a brief illness.
Terry Hall Obituary
Terry Hall will be missed by many and fondly remembered for his creative ingenuity. His incomparable talent will live on through his work, which will be appreciated by music lovers everywhere. Terry Hall’s death is a great loss to the music industry and to all those who had come to appreciate and admire his art.
Tributes to Terry Hall
A terrible loss for all of us too young, RIP Terry Hall
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I’m glad I got to see both The Specials and you guys a few more times in the last few years. Sad to hear this news today. RIP xx
2strokemayhem 🇬🇧 @[email protected] and @GINGERSnIpS_
Sad, sad loss, I never watched the specials, but I loved everything he did.
I soon found out how good he was with other groups he was involved with.
Funny boy three, Colourfield. “Thinking of you”! RIP Terry.
Terry Hall lived an extraordinary life filled with ups and downs that ultimately led him to become one of the most influential figures in British music history through his involvement with both The Specials and Fun Boy Three, who helped shape to modern ska culture across Europe from its humble beginnings. The Coventry punk scene in the late 1970s. We can be grateful for his contribution which will no doubt live on long after he passes away aged 63 earlier this year 2021. Rest In Peace Terry! Thank you for your wonderful gift!