Photo by David Corio/Getty Images

Terry Hall was the lead singer of English ska revival band The Specials since 1977. Sadly, a social media post announced that Hall passed away on December 18th of an apparent short illness. He was 63.

The Specials wrote on social media,

“”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,” reads the post. “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 humor, 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 Hall joined The Specials shortly after they formed in 1977 with keyboardist Jerry Dammers, guitarist Lynval Golding, drummer Silverton Hutchinson and bassist Horace Panter. As their frontman, Hall gained his fame when The Specials’ debut single Gangsters was played by disc jockey John Peel on BBC Radio in 1979. The band then released their debut self-titled album that officially put them on the map with hits including A Message to You Rudy and Too Much Too Young.

Along with The Specials, Terry also sang for English new wave band Fun Boy Three, English band the Colourfield, musical group Terry, Blair & Anouchka, and Vegas.

Terry Hall will be so missed. KLOS sends our love to all of Terry’s family, friends, and fans.

Celebrate Terry’s life by watching him perform Gangsters with The Specials live in 1979 here: