Terry Hall of The Specials dies aged 63: Frank Turner, Elvis Costello and more pay tribute to the late musician

Hall passed away following a brief illness

Tributes are flooding in following the sad news of The Specials singer Terry Hall's death.

The Coventry ska group announced Terry's death at the age of 63 yesterday (November 19), honouring 'one of the most brilliant singers, songwriters and lyricists this country has ever produced.'

Following the news, musicians including Frank Turner, Elvis Costello, UB40 and The Lightning Seeds have spoken of Hall's incredible legacy.

MORE: Explore The Specials' complete Official Charts history

The Specials wrote: "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."

The band continued: "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”."

Elvis Costello, who produced The Specials' eponymous 1979 debut album, paid tribute to the late Hall. He said: "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."

Singer Frank Turner told Today of Terry's transcendent songwriting, saying: "It was talking about the fact that there are these tensions in society, there are these things that are worth being angry about, there are these divides, and there are things that we can do about them.

"That was important and relevant in the early 1980s but for me as a kid, it felt important and relevant and - I don't want to say educational - when I first started listening to them.

"And I think the relevance of the music of The Specials and the words and music of Terry Hall remain completely vibrant and important today."

Electronic music duo Leftfield paid tribute to 'amazing singer' Hall on Twitter, saying: "He sang about real people and real issues. People I could identify with. Such a loss. A brave guy."

Culture Club star Boy George also honoured Hall in a tweet, reading: "Very sad to hear about Terry Hall! Absolutely loved him as an artist. Sad day!"

Fellow Birmingham-born group UB40 said: "Another one gone too soon! RIP Terry". Meanwhile, The Coral wrote: "Thanks Terry Hall for all the music, inspiration, and being kind to us when we were starting out. So sad."

The Lightning Seeds posted a simple broken heart emoji alongside a photo of singer Ian Broudie and Hall, as Reverend and the Makers wrote: "Absolutely heartbreaking. A true legend has gone."

Our thoughts are with Terry's family, friends and fans at this difficult time.

Article images: Shutterstock.