Culture
13 Mar 23

Belfast concert celebrating Terry Hall set to feature Doghouse, Boss Sound Manifesto and more

Terry Hall with The Specials by Colm Henry.

Belfast venue Limelight 1 is excited to honour Terry Hall in a night of musical celebration.

A celebratory evening has been set for Sunday, March 19th at Belfast's Limelight 1 in remembrance of The Specials' lead singer Terry Hall.

The concert follows Hall's passing in December 2022, falling on what would have been his 64th birthday. Doghouse, Boss Sound Manifesto and Terri Hooley DJ are set to perform at the celebration of his life and work, with all proceeds from the event being donated to PIPS charity.

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. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/qJHsI1oTwp

— The Specials (@thespecials) December 19, 2022

Hall was born in Coventry, England to a traumatic childhood that would inspire his writing. At 14, he left school and took a string of temporary jobs before joining the punk band Squad, as the lead vocalist. In the late 70s, Squad opened for an early version of The Specials–then the Automatics–who were impressed with the teenager's vocals and invited him to join the group.

Hall recorded two albums with the band during its inaugural run, the self titled debut The Specials–which debuted at number 4 on the UK chart–and 1980's More Specials. Both records went on to become instant classics for two-tone and ska, conflating jazz and dance rhythms with sharp political and social commentary.

A number of singles from the early era became hits, such as 'Gangsters' and 'A Message to You Rudy,' but it wasn't until the 1981 release of 'Ghost Town' that the band's historical promise was truly realised. The single, which detailed issues such as the recession and urban decay, became the soundtrack to the 1981 England riots, fought between police and young Black people over racial discrimination.

'Ghost Town' became the number 1 song on radio charts for three weeks that year and stayed in the top 40 for 10.