Terry Hall remembered by Elvis Costello, Jerry Dammers, Jane Wiedlin, Madness, Billy Bragg & more
Terry Hall of The Specials and Fun Boy Three died on Sunday, December 18 but the news didn’t break till late Monday afternoon. Tributes from friends, fellow musicians and famous fans have been pouring in via social media.
The Specials & 2 Tone Records founder Jerry Dammers, who didn’t take part in band’s reunion, wrote, “Terry’s death is very shocking, horrible and tragic news,” continuing, “Terry was so young and I feel very sad. Contrary to some of what has been reported since, Terry and I got on well in the original Specials. Beyond our punky start on stage, it was in the studio with Elvis Costello producing, where Terry was able to sing quietly, that I think his hidden strength came out, a delivery which brought out the melancholy in some of The Specials’ songs, and which I think a lot of people could relate to. All my condolences and sympathies go out to his wife and family.”
Jane Wiedlin of The Go-Go’s, who co-wrote “Our Lips Are Sealed” with Hall, wrote, “Gutted to hear of the passing of #terryhall. He was a lovely, sensitive, talented and unique person. Our extremely brief romance resulted in the song Our Lips Are Sealed, which will forever tie us together in music history. Terrible news to hear this.”
Elvis Costello, who produced The Specials’ classic debut album, 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.”
Fellow 2 Tone band Madness wrote, “A terrible loss to all of us, way too young,” while The English Beat‘s Dave Wakeling wrote, “Sad to hear that Terry will not be joining us for another season. Cryptic, droll, a heart of gold, and he could tackle like a donkey! Always a proper gent to The Beat, our condolences to family and friends.”
Rhoda Dakar, of 2 Tone group The Bodysnatchers who also dueted with Terry on The Specials “I Can’t Stand It” and sang with offshoot The Special AKA, wrote:
Terry’s gone, he died just after the football on Sunday. Back in 2009 I wrote sleevenotes for the rerelease of his solo album ‘Laugh’. They were approved.
“Recently, someone asked what Terry Hall was like. I said he was very funny and they looked at me like I hadn’t heard the question. Not funny peculiar, funny ha ha. I could see them then trying to form the words that would make me understand what they had just asked me. No, really. Enigmatic, certainly. Intelligent, observant and with a deadpan delivery second to none. But a wicked sense of humour. Wicked meaning evil, bruv. An indispensable tool in the arsenal of any would be singer-songwriter. Often squandered, but here it has found a very safe pair of hands. I laughed out loud when he spat the line, “but you’re still fucking peasants as far as I can see”, from ‘Working Class Hero’. Yes, I know Lennon wrote it, but it’s a brilliant live version and one of the real treats the bonus tracks add to this CD. The invective, the flash of the eyes and yes, I have been on the wrong end of that once or twice. At which point, the only honourable thing to do is shut up and move away.”
Massive Attack wrote, “The protest soundtrack to our youth & the blueprint of our band. Rest in power Terry Hall.”
Among the others who have shared kind words and remembrances: Belinda Carlisle, Boy George, Rage Against the Machine, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, Billy Bragg, Squeeze‘s Chris Difford, The Sleaford Mods, Ted Leo, Rancid, The Interrupters, Lush‘s Miki Berenyi, Saint Etienne‘s Bob Stanley, Everything But the Girl‘s Tracey Thorn, Less Than Jake, The Brian Jonestown Massacre‘s Anton Newcombe, Matt Sharp (Weezer, The Rentals), Geoff Barrow (Portishead, Beak>), The Charlatans‘ Tim Burgess, former Cure member Lol Tolhurst, The Mountain Goats, Michael McKean, Jon Cryer, Sparks, Mark McGrath, Frank Turner, Catbite, Shepard Fairey, director Tim Pope, and more. Read those below.
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
Gutted to hear of the passing of #terryhall. He was a lovely, sensitive, talented and unique person. Our extremely brief romance resulted in the song Our Lips Are Sealed, which will forever tie us together in music history. Terrible news to hear this. 😢 pic.twitter.com/Fxxqr0p01T
— Jane Wiedlin (@janewiedlin) December 19, 2022
Forever bound in music history with #terryhall. He co-wrote the @officialgogos breakout hit, "Our Lips Are Sealed" with @janewiedlin. RIP Mr. Hall. https://t.co/bhZOCC5bAR
— Belinda Carlisle 💙 (@belindacarlisle) December 20, 2022
A terrible loss to all of us, way too young, RIP Terry Hall pic.twitter.com/mp0ap1yzBD
— Madness (@MadnessNews) December 20, 2022
Sad to hear that Terry will not be joining us for another season. Cryptic, droll, a heart of gold, and he could tackle like a donkey! Always a proper gent to The Beat, our condolences to family and friends.
-dave wakeling#RIPTerryHall pic.twitter.com/QZQA47EdIU— The English Beat (@TheEnglishBeat) December 20, 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
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
"Here is the street, and here is the door/ Same as it was before/ And up the stairs, and on the wall/ Was Doisneau's Kiss and Terry Hall…" 💔
— Tracey Thorn (@tracey_thorn) December 20, 2022
This is very very sad news
Only if we had the conscious humour & intelligence in popular music today that #terryhall brought in his lyrics to us all back then.
It’s time to put the specials where they belong as one of the greatest British bands ever. #ripterryhall https://t.co/Ghrh2o0uPj
— 🏴☠️ Geoff Barrow 🏴☠️ (@jetfury) December 20, 2022
Rest In Peace Terry.
Thank you for your kindness and incredible, unparalleled musical contributions. pic.twitter.com/I3vFyOssU1— RANCID (@Rancid) December 20, 2022
— The Interrupters (@Interruptweets) December 20, 2022
We are very sad to hear of the passing of Terry Hall the lead singer of @thespecials
Another one gone too soon!RIP Terry#terryhall #rip pic.twitter.com/P0n9InMVpu
— UB40 (@UB40OFFICIAL) December 20, 2022
"My name's Terry, and I'm going to enjoy myself first." Possibly the funniest line on any record ever. Goodbye Terry Hall, rotten news to come home to.
— bob stanley (@rocking_bob) December 20, 2022
What sad news, a great talent gone too soon.
Photo by @Mr_Dave_Haslam pic.twitter.com/xlnNJtfBJo
— New Order (@neworder) 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
Gutted to hear of the passing of #terryhall. He was a lovely, sensitive, talented and unique person. Our extremely brief romance resulted in the song Our Lips Are Sealed, which will forever tie us together in music history. Terrible news to hear this. 😢 pic.twitter.com/Fxxqr0p01T
— Jane Wiedlin (@janewiedlin) December 19, 2022
#TerryHall, a great friend of the brand, and a voice for a generation. Through your music you brought so many people together, and we will always remember this with love. Thank you, Terry! pic.twitter.com/EcWufmv44I
— Fred Perry (@fredperry) December 20, 2022
Terry Hall 🖤🤍 Can’t begin to form the words this time. RIP.
— Continuity Ted Leo Account (@tedleo) December 19, 2022
“𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉. 𝑳𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒎𝒖𝒔𝒊𝒄, 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒊𝒔𝒎. 𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒇𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒊𝒕.”
RIP Terry Hall of @TheSpecials https://t.co/fp8Mjcyjqy
— Rage Against The Machine ★ (@RATM) December 20, 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
Terry Hall, a man of few words verbally but so many great words in song. I always admired and envied his sweep of the pen. Take care on the steps above young man. pic.twitter.com/nF4xeS809e
— Chris Difford (@chrisdifford) December 19, 2022
I'm so sorry to hear this. Between @thespecials (day-one MTV artists) & #FunBoyThree & being co-writer of Our Lips Are Sealed with @janewiedlin, Terry Hall shaped the sound of the 80s. My condolences to his loved ones, who number many 🙏 https://t.co/8OIuRpH7QK
— Martha Quinn Ⓥ (@MarthaQuinn) December 19, 2022
RIP Terry Hall. The world of music lost a true talent. pic.twitter.com/LNXa6k7Mdo
— S P A R K S (@sparksofficial) December 20, 2022
just heard that terry hall of the specials died today. i didn’t know him, but we met briefly, in ‘96. when i asked what he was up to, he said he had written an album of love songs for his girl, but she just left him so he was going back + changing all the major chords to minor ❤️ pic.twitter.com/c6HRrCFyxQ
— Matt Sharp (@_mattsharp) December 20, 2022
Rest in Peace to the legendary Terry Hall from @thespecials who massively influenced Sublime
Brad sang "I’m a parasite, creep 'n crawl, I step in to the night” on Badfish from the Specials song “Nite Klub”
And of course the end of "DJs” uses Terry's iconic “Message to You Rudy” pic.twitter.com/Gdh3M6sUOa— Sublime (@sublime) December 20, 2022
Oh blimey. I’m not one to rush on here when someone dies. Terry Hall, though. He was such a lovely bloke. A sweetheart.
— Tim Pope (@timpopedirector) December 19, 2022
Terry Hall, such sad news. Thanks for the songs and for singing them the way you did. And thanks for the time you came by Monorail sent there by your son. I think I told you I was a fan, I hope I did. pic.twitter.com/tmEQf1I2Ej
— the pastels (@pastels_the) December 20, 2022
Thank you Terry Hall. Thank you @thespecials. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/tWBWYmOkFz
— Less Than Jake (@LessThanJake) December 20, 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
— Miki Berenyi (@berenyi_miki) December 19, 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
Terribly sad to hear the news about Terry Hall. Timeless classics. #RIP #terryhall https://t.co/X2GGBwxibs
— superchunk (@superchunk) December 20, 2022
@terryhall_ bless you and your family, and loved ones, and those that loved you.
— anton newcombe (@antonnewcombe) December 19, 2022
Ah no. Really sad to hear about Terry Hall. The Specials were fantastic and Terry was a lovely man.
— Luke Haines Rock N Roll (@LukeHaines_News) December 20, 2022
content warning for abuse, Terry Hall's life had seem real nightmare stuff in it. he chose to make a positive difference early in life. among the people I danced with the in early 80s, the Specials were universally loved. https://t.co/ALKp7X5nCJ
— The Mountain Goats (@mountain_goats) December 19, 2022
2022 has been a particularly cruel year. So many brilliant people taken from us. TERRY HALL R.I.P. Thoughts are with his family and friends. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2gebA7at15
— Marc Riley ⚽️🍺🐳 (@marcrileydj) December 19, 2022
Such a huge loss RIP https://t.co/VSGVW7W9HB
— Dreadzone (@dreadzonemusic) December 19, 2022
Wow. rest in peace Terry Hall. Thank you for everything 🖤
— CATBITE (@catbiteband) 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
Goodnight Terry.
A true genius – it was an honour to consider him a friend x x pic.twitter.com/0fck1Q176p
— Tim Burgess (@Tim_Burgess) December 19, 2022
Heartbreaking. Terry was a good soul. https://t.co/jEeZpz12BM
— James Endeacott (@jamesendeacott) December 19, 2022
aww damn Terry Hall passed away, The Specials s/t is the first record I ever bought. Fun Boy Three were wild avant garde pop. what a career…total icon
— Glenn Donaldson (@GlennDonaldson) December 19, 2022
First time Tricky showed up to DJ in Seattle, he turned up at the club with just one album under his arm, the first Specials album. “Where’s the rest of your records?” asked a concerned promoter. “This is it, man,” came the reply. “This is all you need.”
R.I.P. Terry Hall
— Dr Thackray (@everetttrue) December 19, 2022
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
God damnit. Just heard the news about Terry Hall. What an absolute sadness. The Specials were one of the most important bands for me as a kid. Taught me many things I needed to know. Gutted. RIP.
— Frank Turner (@frankturner) December 19, 2022
…Both times Terry Hall standing stock still at the center of the storm a melancholy counter point to the joyous energy of the band. Bringing the idiosyncratic and ironic songs to life beautifully . No more to Sing RIP Terry Hall.
— Lol Tolhurst (@LolTolhurst) December 19, 2022
One of the greatest frontmen from one of the greatest bands.
And a gorgeous, kind, down to earth man. I’ll miss his music, his United post match honesty, his messages. 💔
❤️ Terry Hall Forever ❤️ pic.twitter.com/etTSo5Pl20— Rowetta🎙 (@Rowetta) December 19, 2022
Had the honour of having some email chats w/Terry a few years back. He reached out as he really liked my music. Such an honour & such a gentleman. 🕊 pic.twitter.com/NMw9y6E6qF
— Kelly Lee Owens (@kellyleeowens) December 20, 2022
RIP Terry Hall https://t.co/zuWna8tweh
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) December 19, 2022
Gone too soon. Terry Hall & The Specials were an important part of the soundtrack of my teenage life. Cool band, cool man.
Rest in peace. https://t.co/eJVFbnbDjU— Curtis Stigers (@curtisstigers) December 19, 2022
Truly sad news. RIP Terry Hall. Sending love to our friends @horacepanter and @lynval_golding and all the @thespecials family at this sad time. pic.twitter.com/8wuoRKCL7a
— AmyWinehouseFdation (@AmysFoundation) December 19, 2022
Terry Hall, also of Fun Boy Three, the Colourfield and co-writer of “Our Lips Are Sealed” has died.
So much great music. #RIPTerryHall https://t.co/3vLzw390FZ
— Jon Cryer (@MrJonCryer) December 19, 2022
Such a huge part of my lifetime love of music…Rest Easy Legend #TerryHall pic.twitter.com/lZMWSjtIgj
— Mark McGrath (@mark_mcgrath) December 19, 2022
Sending love and light to the family friends and fans of the legendary Terry Hall! Rest In Peace rudeboy! https://t.co/Ae6j4d9wAI
— Living Colour (@LivingColour) December 19, 2022
Sad to hear we lost Terry Hall of The Specials, Colour Field and Fun Boy 3 yesterday. pic.twitter.com/IYVbFDCtbj
— Matt Pinfield (@mattpinfield) December 20, 2022
RIP Terry Hall @thespecials what a loss to music and beyond. Recorded at our old studio a lot and was always charming and very funny whenever I bumped into him. So sad for all who loved him. Ghost Town one of the greatest singles of all time. pic.twitter.com/PfxQeJ4jB0
— Simon Raymonde (@mrsimonraymonde) December 20, 2022
https://twitter.com/thekjohnston/status/1605005771443355648
The Specials are an all-time favorite band, changed the way I saw the world
I absolutely loved Fun Boy Three
"Our Lips Are Sealed" is a classic
Rest in peace Terry Hall
And this is one of the truly great SNL performances everhttps://t.co/k9FxLtjVS8
— scharpling (@scharpling) December 20, 2022
