died after succumbing to cancer. His passing has come as a major shock to many people of my generation. He was only 63, only bloody 63. And whilst that relatively young age is one aspect of the surprise. I think the bigger one is that he was such an iconic/laconic figure who so many of us regarded with genuine love and affection.
His well-documented abuse at the hands of a teacher when he was 12, followed by a half-year spell on valium obviously shaped his outlook and reaction but it most definitely did not define him. On stage he was a magnetic presence, the eye of the 2-tone storm that raged around him. I was fortunate enough to see The Specials on that first tour and they were truly astonishing.
Terry's dress sense was always impeccable during his Specials days and even on the day of his departure (after filming 'Ghost Town' on Top of the Pops) his silver tipped cane and pin-striped look was immaculate. The flip to more casual wear for the FB3 was carried off with aplomb. Throughout his life he managed to seem one step ahead. However, it wasn't just his dress sense it was his voice!
His voice, whether covering 'We have all the time in the world' or singing 'M1/A1' with Gorillaz was unique. Soft yet hard, aggressive yet tuneful. His was a unique and genuine voice. His lyrics were intelligent, playful, tough but ultimately compassionate. His collaboration with Ian Broudie (The Lightning Seeds) 'Sense' is a perfect example of his rich talents.
He will be sorely missed, just when he was getting going too...
- Terry Hall
