Terry Hall, lead singer of '80s band The Specials, dies aged 63

Terry Hall, the lead singer of British band The Specials, has died aged 63.

The band, which pioneered the revival of Jamaican ska music during the '80s, and was famously part of the British two-tone genre, rose to prominence with songs like Ghost Town and A Message to You, Rudy.

"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," the band shared in a series of tweets this morning.

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"Terry was a wonderful husband and father and one of the kindest, funniest, and most genuine of souls," the post continued. "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."

It ended, "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'."

Underneath the post, many fans have shared their condolences. "Terry is gone all too soon," one fan wrote. "This is a massive loss."

Esteemed English actor Ray Winstone, known for his roles in films like The Departed, Sweeney Todd and The Proposition, commented, "Gutted. Rest in Peace Terry. My Condolences to your family and friend."

Band Kid Kapichi added, "One of the absolute greats. A huge inspiration. A true, true hero. Incredibly sad."

While part of The Specials, Hall formed two other groups, Fun Boy Three and the Colourfield. Fun Boy Three experienced some success throughout the '80s, collaborating twice with girl band Bananarama, on the song It Ain't What You Do (It's the Way That You Do It) and Really Saying Something.

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Hall has left behind his wife, Lindy Heymann, and their two adult sons, Felix and Leo.

Family and the band are yet to reveal what illness Hall suffered from before he died.