RIP Terry Hall: Remembering the Specials' Impact on British Music

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pinball1970

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Most on pf will probably not have heard of him.

Very sad to hear of Terry Hall’s passing of pancreatic cancer at 63.

He was in a band called the Specials and the music was very different to anything out at that time, 1979.

I was captured by the drums (John Bradbury died quite young too at 62) and the lyrics were probably the first that talked about life in the inner city, which at the time was turbulent and violent.

Mass unemployment, strikes, riots, racial tension, the rise of the national front and gang warfare were all in our lives as kids and were in the songs.

Two tone was two fingers up to racism and the Jamaican sound and black and white members displayed unity, not cultural separation.

They did earn me a ban for playing two of their tracks at an afternoon school disco, Catholics are very touchy about contraception apparently (I did not know what half the words meant at 12!)

RIP Terry Hall.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-64036892
 
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What was Terry Hall's impact on British music?

Terry Hall was a founding member and lead singer of the influential British band, The Specials. He was a key figure in the 2 Tone ska movement in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which combined elements of punk, reggae, and ska music. The Specials' music addressed social and political issues and played a significant role in shaping the sound of British punk and new wave music.

What were some of The Specials' most popular songs?

The Specials had several hit songs, including "A Message to You, Rudy", "Ghost Town", and "Too Much Too Young". They also had a successful cover of the song "A Town Called Malice" by The Jam. Their music was known for its catchy melodies and socially conscious lyrics, which resonated with audiences across the UK.

What was the significance of the 2 Tone ska movement?

The 2 Tone ska movement emerged in the late 1970s as a response to social and political tensions in the UK. It combined elements of ska, reggae, and punk music and promoted racial unity and solidarity. The Specials, along with other 2 Tone bands like The Selecter and Madness, used their music to address issues of racism, unemployment, and youth culture in Britain.

How did The Specials' music influence other bands and genres?

The Specials' unique blend of ska, punk, and reggae music had a significant impact on the British music scene. Their music influenced other bands in the 2 Tone movement, as well as new wave and post-punk bands. The Specials' socially conscious lyrics and political messages also inspired future generations of musicians to use their music as a platform for social commentary and change.

What was Terry Hall's legacy in British music?

Terry Hall's impact on British music can still be felt today. As a founding member and frontman of The Specials, he helped shape the sound of 2 Tone ska and influenced numerous other bands and genres. His lyrics and music continue to inspire and resonate with audiences, making him a key figure in the history of British music.

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