Terry Hall, lead singer of British ska band The Specials, whose often politically charged hits in the late 1970s and early 1980s included “Gangsters” and “Ghost Town”, has died aged 63
“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,” said the band on Twitter.
Bandmate Neville Staple tweeted he was “deeply saddened” to hear about Hall’s death, saying: “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 hard.”
Hall joined the group in his hometown, Coventry, in 1977. At a period when racial tensions were high, the band’s mixture of black and white members and its Jamaican-influenced sound helped it become a symbol of Britain’s new multicultural identity.
