Terry Hall passing on December 18th, 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 started in the picturesque seaside town of Coventry, United Kingdom. Terry and his bandmates formed The Specials in 1977, and their unique sound has gone on to inspire generations of music fans.
Who was Terry Hall?
Terry Hall, born on March 19, 1959 in Coventry, England, was best-known as the lead singer of the ska band The Specials and former member of Fun Boy Three. He had a checkered past that included being abducted by a paedophile ring when he was only 12 years old.
Prior to his 15th birthday, Terry Hall left school to pursue various short-term jobs such as a bricklayer, quantity surveyor and even an apprentice hairdresser. It was during this time that he joined Squad punk band wherein he was credited as one of their composers for the “Red Alert” single.
In 1979 he joined The Specials who were part of the then-burgeoning 2 Tone movement which paved the way for ska revivalism throughout Britain and other parts of Europe.
He originally served as their backing vocalist but eventually stepped up as lead vocalist taking over from original vocalist Tim Strickland who left shortly after their first single “Gangsters” was released.
His powerful vocals helped propel The Specials to success with both “Gangsters” and “Too Much Too Young” reaching number 1 on UK Singles Charts in 1979 respectively. They followed up with more successful singles such as “Rat Race” (1980) , “Ghost Town” (1981), “Do Nothing” (1982) with each single helping to solidify ska revivalism among UK audiences and eventually around the world.
In 1981 he left The Specials along with Lynval Golding to form Fun Boy Three where they released their debut album entitled Waiting in 1982 which contained popular singles like “The Lunatics Have Taken Over The Asylum” and “It Ain’t What You Do (It’s The Way That You Do It).
This album would turn out to be one of their most successful releases before disbanding due to creative differences in 1983. He went on to form other projects namely Terry Blair & Anouchka, Vegas, Colourfield all while also collaborating with Bananarama for their 1984 album Deep Sea Skiving before finally returning back to performing with The Specials for reunion tours beginning in 2008 until his death this year 2021 at age 63.
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Throughout his career Terry made an indelible mark not just within the 2 Tone Movement but within music history overall through his powerful yet soulful voice that is sure to be remembered forever by fans all around the world.
His Wife Lindy Heymann
Lindy Heymann is a celebrated British director and assistant director, well-known for helming Showboy (2002), The Laughing King (2016) and Kicks (2009). She graduated from the prestigious National Film & Television School MA in Directing Fiction. Heymann continued to collaborate with its alumni ever since, including visual effects artist Terry Hall who she worked with on The Laughing King. Her list of works range from television dramas, documentaries to feature films. Heymann’s oeuvre is marked by bold experimentalism coupled with realistic storytelling which has earned plenty of 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 due to natural causes at the age of 63 after a brief illness.
Terry Hall Obituary
Terry Hall will be greatly missed by so many and remembered fondly for his creative ingenuity. His incomparable talent will live on through his work, which will be cherished by music lovers everywhere. Terry Hall’s death is a great loss to the music industry and all those who had grown to appreciate and admire his artistry.
Tributes Pour to Terry Hall
Madness@MadnessNews
A terrible loss to all of us, way too young, RIP Terry Hall
ICanKeepYourSecrets@ickyoursecrets@MadnessNews
So glad I got to see both The Specials and yourselves a few more times in recent years. Sad to hear this news today. RIP xx
2strokemayhem 🇬🇧@2strokemayhem@MadnessNews and @GiNgErSnIpS_
Sad sad loss, i never saw the Specials but loved all he did.
I soon realised how good he was with other groups he was involved with.
Fun boy three, Colourfield. “Thinking of you”! R.I.P Terry.
Terry Hall lived an extraordinary life full of highs and lows that ultimately led him into becoming one of most influential figures within British music history through his involvement with both The Specials and Fun Boy Three who helped shape modern ska culture throughout Europe starting from humble beginnings within Coventry’s punk scene during late 70’s . We can be grateful for his contribution that will certainly live on long after he has passed away at age 63 earlier this year 2021 . Rest In Peace Terry! Thank you for your wonderful gift!