The Pogues singer Shane MacGowan has said he is “praying” for the late Terry Hall’s family and friends as the singer leads the tributes in the wake of The Specials frontman death.
The death of the 63-year-old singer was announced on Monday on the band’s social media.
Announcing his death on Twitter, The Specials described their frontman in a statement as “the most genuine of souls”.
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MacGowan – who was recently discharged from hospital after he was treated for an infection – tweeted his upset after he heard of the news of Hall’s death.
He tweeted: “Really f***ing sad to hear about Terry Hall, he was a great guy and I am praying for his family and friends.”
The Specials tweeted: “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".”
Hall’s bandmate Neville Staple also paid tribute to his fellow pioneer of the UK ska scene on Monday evening following the news.
“This has hit me hard. 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.
“In the music World, people have many ups and downs, but I will hang onto the great memories of Terry and I, making history fronting The Specials and Fun Boy three together. Rest easy Terry Hall,” he wrote.
Thousands of fans paid their respects online, with fellow singer and songwriter, Midge Ure, describing Hall's death as "dreadful news".
Singer/songwriter and Strictly Come Dancing star Matt Goss said he was "in shock" over Hall's death.
The Amy Winehouse Foundation said Hall's death was "truly sad news", sharing a picture of him with the Back to Black singer.
Radio DJ Jo Whiley also paid her respects, tweeting how she has "always been a fan" of Hall.
Jane Wiedlin, guitarist and co-founder of The Go-Go’s, said: “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.”
Punk and folk singer Frank Turner wrote: “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.”
While folk singer Billy Bragg tweeted: “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.”
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