THE Specials' lead singer Terry Hall has been remembered for his "remarkable music" following his death at the age of 63.
The pioneering ska singer "encapsulated the very essence of life" with his music, the band said as they announced the sad news on Monday evening.
Hall rose to fame as part of the band in the late 1970s, with number one hits including A Message To You, Rudy, Rat Race and Ghost Town, and were known for their ska and rocksteady style.
Following the band's split in 1981, Hall embarked on a number of successful solo and collaborative projects – working with the likes of Lily Allen and Damon Albarn.
Leading tributes to the frontman, a statement released on the band's official Twitter account paid tribute to their "beautiful friend".
Read our Terry Hall live blog below for the latest tributes…
- Henry Moore
Everything you need to know about The Specials
The Specials were formed in Terry Hall's home city of Coventry in 1977, by Jerry Dammers, Lynval Golding and Horace Panter – with Hall, Neville Staple, Roddy Byers and John Bradbury joining a year later.
The band were originally called The Automatics, before changing their name to The Coventry Automatics, The Specials AKA The Automatics and finally, in 1978, settling on The Specials.
The iconic Sca outfit would go on to produce songs such as Ghost Town, A Message to you, Rudy and Nelson Mandela.
- Henry Moore
Happy Monday’s singer pays tribute to Terry Hall
Happy Mondays singer Rowetta referenced his love for Manchester United as she wrote: "One of the greatest frontmen from one of the greatest bands.
"And a gorgeous, kind, down to earth man. I’ll miss his music, his United post match honesty, his messages."
- Henry Moore
What have The Specials said?
The Specials tweeted: "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'."
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