Elvis Costello, Massive Attack, Andy Bell and more pay tribute to The Specials singer Terry Hall

Last night (19 December) it was revealed that The Specials singer Terry Hall had died aged 63 "following a brief illness."

A statement on The Specials' socials read: "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."

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. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/qJHsI1oTwp

— The Specials (@thespecials) December 19, 2022

Costello 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."

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.

— Elvis Costello (@ElvisCostello) December 20, 2022

"The protest soundtrack to our youth & the blueprint of our band," Massive Attack wrote. "Rest in power Terry Hall."

The protest soundtrack to our youth & the blueprint of our band.

Rest in power Terry Hall. pic.twitter.com/tBiXvhwlil

— Massive Attack (@MassiveAttackUK) December 20, 2022

Andy Bell wrote, "At 11 I suddenly wanted a Harrington with red tartan lining, a Fred Perry shirt, black sta prest, white socks and black loafers with tassles, all because this mans music had swept through my school like Elvis in ‘56. Those 2 The Specials albums are pure genius. RIP Terry Hall."

At 11 I suddenly wanted a Harrington with red tartan lining, a Fred Perry shirt, black sta prest, white socks and black loafers with tassles, all because this mans music had swept through my school like Elvis in ‘56. Those 2 @thespecials albums are pure genius. RIP Terry Hall

— Andy Bell (@Andybebop) December 20, 2022

"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 pic.twitter.com/sHNMJIwPII

— From THE SPECIALS Neville Staple (@NevilleStaple) December 19, 2022

Horrid news
Have always been a fan. So many songs of Terry Hall that I’ve loved throughout my life. Specials. Fun Boy Three. Colourfield pic.twitter.com/QwMeHpkzGA

— Jo Whiley (@jowhiley) December 19, 2022

Goes without saying but thanks Terry Hall for all the music, inspiration, and being kind to us when we were starting out. So sad. Thoughts with family and friends. RIP. pic.twitter.com/eHdBCOTou7

— The Coral (@thecoralband) December 20, 2022

Very very sad to hear about Terry Hall. Truly one of the greats. A musical hero

— Badly Drawn Boy (@badly_drawn_boy) December 19, 2022

A terrible loss to all of us, way too young, RIP Terry Hall pic.twitter.com/mp0ap1yzBD

— Madness (@MadnessNews) December 20, 2022

I’m in shock that one of my favourite singer songwriters, Terry Hall has passed away. The Specials represent my youth, they represent everything about my teenage years, they were THE BAND that got us out of our homes and into the school discos & clubs! pic.twitter.com/a7o2WYn3Uu

— Matt Goss (@mattgoss) December 19, 2022

Rest In Peace Terry Hall. King of the Suedeheads. A big man. Hope you find peace now mate.

— Sleaford Mods (@sleafordmods) December 19, 2022

Very sad to hear about Terry Hall! Absolutely loved him as an artist. Sad day! #thespecials

— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) December 19, 2022

The Specials were a celebration of how British culture was envigorated by Caribbean immigration but the onstage demenour of their lead singer was a reminder that they were in the serious business of challenging our perception of who we were in the late 1970s. RIP Terry Hall pic.twitter.com/PVwbXyXubq

— Billy Bragg (@billybragg) December 19, 2022