With a heavy heart, The Specials Twitter account announced the sudden passing of their frontman Terry Hall, which devastated both his fans and fellow artists.
"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," read a tweet from band's official Twitter account.
"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.'"
While Hall was all about love, for the people he left behind, like bandmate Neville Staple, Hall's death might prove to be something more heartbreaking.
According to Mirror UK, Staple revealed that he and Hall had just confirmed joint music agreements slated for 2023-a plan that will never come to fruition.
"We had only just confirmed some 2023 joint music agreements together. This has hit me."
Staple also noted that they were aware of Hall's illness, but didn't think much of it at the time.
"Hit me hard and must be extremely difficult for Terry's wife and family. Sugary and I, extend our heartfelt condolences to them all at this extremely difficult time," he added.
The Loss
Aside from The Specials, other bands and acts mourned Hall's death as tributes to the late singer poured in.
According to reports, Ian Brown, The Proclaimers, Shane MacGowan, and ska pioneer group Madness all showed their support for The Specials and Hall's family.
"A terrible loss to all of us, way too young, RIP Terry Hall," wrote Madness' official Twitter account.
Brown wrote of Hall: "R.I.P TERRY HALL. A musical pioneer, a true original, one of the great frontmen, an inspiration, and a lovely fella."
Badly Drawn Boy wrote: "Very very sad to hear about Terry Hall. Truly one of the greats. A musical hero."
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