THIS SIGN on the Coventry ring road referenced one of The Specials’ most beloved songs in tribute to iconic singer Terry Hall.
And its just one of the examples of the ways Coventrians have paid their respects to Terry after his death last Sunday (December 18).
And at the HMV Empire, the sign at the front of the building was changed to read ‘thank you for the memories Terry Hall, love love love’.
Pauline Black, the lead singer for the Selecter, described Terry as the ‘epitome of cool.’
Coventry Lord Mayor Coun Kevin Maton said: “Not only was he a talented songwriter and inspiring performer who undertook a number of musical projects, he was a leading light for many in the fight for equality and justice.
“Terry Hall was a true Coventrian.”
Terry was born on March 19, 1959, and grew up in the Hillfields area of Coventry.
He attended Sidney Stringer School and worked in various jobs, including a stint at David Fletcher coin merchants in Station Square.
He was a massive Manchester United fan and It was after seeing the Sex Pistols at the Lanchester Poly in the November of 1976 when Terry decided he wanted music in his life and he would eventually bag the lead vocal job in Cov punk band Squad.
His time there would be short as he was soon cherry-picked by Jerry Dammers to join his new project that would change the world as the ska band The Specials.
Coventry Music Museum curator Pete Chambers BEM knew Terry well.
He said: “Terry’s dry persona and often quick sardonic wit earned him the title of ‘Mr Misery’, but despite being bipolar Terry had a tremendous sense of humour and never refused a fan a selfie or autograph.
“Terry also perfected his frontman image and unique vocal delivery throughout his illustrious career, despite his often lack of animation on the stage he knew how to hold an audience and his one liners and glib observations gave the Specials (who were Skanking madly behind him) a unique juxtaposed look on stage.”
“Terry was something special (pun intended), he was unique in the music world, he did things his way, never flash but always stunning, never wordy but always eloquent to say he and that voice of his will be missed is an understatement.
“I know next time I play ‘Enjoy Yourself’ by The Specials and I hear Terry say: ‘I’m Terry and I’m going to enjoy myself first’ I will always crack a smile at a man that helped give me a career and a life in music, Thanks Tez.”
