Posted on 12/19/2022 4:19:35 PM PST by nickcarraway
"One of the most brilliant singers, songwriters and lyricists this country has ever produced"
Taking to social media, the ska icons shared that the influential singer had passed away from a “brief illness” aged 63, as well as honouring him as “a beautiful friend, brother and one of the most brilliant singers, songwriters and lyricists this country has ever produced”.
Posting on Twitter, they shared: “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.
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”
The band added: “We would ask that everyone respect the family’s privacy at this very sad time.”
The singer was also formerly a member of of Fun Boy Three, The Colourfield, Terry, Blair & Anouchka and Vegas.
He has released two solo albums and has also collaborated with the likes of Lightning Seeds, Sinéad O’Connor, Dub Pistols, Gorillaz, Damon Albarn, D12, Tricky, Lily Allen, and many more.
This is a developing story…
FWIW, I was very much into the (NOT Ska) Suburban Lawns, YEEEAHHHH!
The Special AKA— Ghost Town
This town is comin’ like a ghost town
Bands won’t play no more—
Too much fighting on the dance floor
The Special AKA— Ghost Town
This town is comin’ like a ghost town
Bands won’t play no more—
Too much fighting on the dance floor
Wiki on The Special AKA —Ghost Town
“Evoking themes of urban decay, deindustrialisation, unemployment and violence in inner cities, the song is remembered for being a hit at the same time as riots were occurring in British cities. Internal tensions within the band were also coming to a head when the single was being recorded, resulting in the song being the last single recorded by the original seven members of the group before splitting up. However, the song was hailed by the contemporary UK music press as a major piece of popular social commentary, and all three of the major UK music magazines of the time awarded “Ghost Town” the accolade of “Single of the Year” for 1981. It was the 12th-best-selling single in the UK in 1981.”
More from Wiki
“After seven consecutive UK top 10 singles between 1979 and 1981, main lead vocalists Hall and Staple, along with guitarist Golding, left to form Fun Boy Three. Continuing as “The Special AKA” (a name they used frequently on earlier Specials releases), a substantially revised Specials line-up issued new material until 1984, including the top 10 UK hit single “Free Nelson Mandela”. After this, founder and songwriter Jerry Dammers dissolved the band and pursued political activism”
Don’t feel bad. He was one of many songwriters and contributors to music over the years that few have heard of. May he RIP.
Back to the Beach movie? A send up of the “beach” movies of the early 60’s...cute but forgettable...I was interested in “ska”...but after seeing the movie...I lost interest....seemed like jazzed up raggae meets John Tesh...or Annette Funny”jello”
“Ghost Town” was an instant smash in my eyes .
Was into ska in the early to mid Eighties. Saw Madness and Bad Manners when they were on tour in the US in ‘84. Good energy.
I saw Madness with the Go Gos opening.
Thanks for posting.
Very much an end to an era.
ping
I want to turn the clock back to the 1980s and music is a huge part of that statement (Though that song may have been released in 1979). I listened to “Rat Race” this morning.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.