Lead singer of The Specials, Terry Hall, has died at the age of 63 following a brief illness, the band announced in a joint statement yesterday. His bandmate Neville Staple, 67, paid tribute to the star on Twitter today, as he admitted he was “hit hard” by the news.
Neville’s wife, Sugary Staple, posted a statement from the musician on his behalf in view of his 11,500 followers.
“I was deeply saddened to hear about Terry Hall’s passing on Sunday,” he said.
“My wife and manager, Sugary Staple, received many phone calls from Lynval Golding and others as we landed in Egypt for a holiday.”
Lynval Golding, 71, was a rhythm guitarist and vocalist for The Specials.
In 1981 when the band initially split up, Terry, Neville and Lynval departed to form another band called Fun Boy Three, which had a few chart hits and sometimes collaborated with female trio Bananarama.
The group re-formed in 1993, and have continued to perform with various line-ups over the years.
Yesterday, The Specials paid tribute to Terry in a joint statement released on social media following his death.
The statement said: “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.”