Terry Hall, frontman of The Specials, has passed away at 63 after a brief illness.
Hall, renowned for his dour image and sharp wit, was a major figure in the ska scene of the 1970s and 80s, most notably for hits such as Ghost Town, Gangsters and Too Much Too Young.
He left his band in 1981 to form Fun Boy Three with Neville Staple and Lynval Golding, achieving further commercial success.
A statement from The Specials confirmed the singer’s death.
“Terry was a wonderful husband and father and one of the kindest, funniest, and most genuine of souls,” they wrote.
“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.”
Staple received a shocking surprise upon his arrival in Egypt for a holiday with his wife, learning of the passing of a close friend.
“Terry was a wonderful husband and father and one of the kindest, funniest, and most genuine of souls,” they wrote.
“His music and performances encapsulated the essence of life… the joy, pain, humour, fight for justice, but mostly 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.”
“It’s really hit me hard,” he said. “We fronted The Specials and Fun Boy Three together, making history.
“Terry, he surely will be missed.”