The Specials’ Terry Hall remembered for ‘remarkable music and profound humanity’

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Specials’ lead singer Terry Hall has been remembered for his “remarkable music and profound humanity” following his death at the age of 63. “We would ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy at this very sad time.” The Specials were formed in Hall’s home city of Coventry in 1977, becoming the multiracial flagship of the 2 Tone movement, with songs on racism, unemployment and injustice demonstrating a very clear political stance. The band split in 1981 after which Hall, Golding and Staple went on to form Fun Boy Three while Dammers and Bradbury released an album under the moniker The Special AKA, which spawned the hit single Free Nelson Mandela in 1984. Until Tony Blair made Noel Gallagher prime minister I knew exactly where I stood.” The Specials’ latest release, Protest Songs 1924-2012, dropped in October 2021 as a follow up to Encore.