Tributes pour in for Terry Hall of The Specials and Primal Scream's Martin Duffy

Terry Hall, frontman of trailblazing ska group The Specials, and Martin Duffy, keys player for Scottish psych-rock group Primal Scream, have both sadly passed away according to statements posted via social media.

Hall, who was instrumental in introducing ska to a wider British audience alongside his Coventry-hailing bandmates, is said to have died at the age of 63 following a brief illness. Leading tributes to his friend, The Specials co-founder Neville Staple was also joined by the likes of Boy George, Elvis Costello and Billy Bragg who all shared messages of condolence and stories of how the band's music changed their lives.

Announcing Hall's death this morning, The Specials posted:

"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." 

Read the full statement below...

Equally as integral to Primal Scream as Hall was to The Specials, keys player Martin Duffy, who passed tragically aged just 55, is said to have played a hugely important role in Bobbie Gillespie's rock outfit, with the astounding success of the group largely thanks to Duffy's natural songwriting ability.

A tribute from The Charlatans frontman, Tim Burgess, who Duffy had previously performed with when the band supported Oasis at Knebworth back in 1996, read:

"Another tragic loss of a beautiful soul. Martin Duffy stepped in to save The Charlatans when we lost Rob - he played with us at Knebworth and was a true friend. He toured with me in my solo band too - he was a pleasure to spend time with. Safe travels Duffy"

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Other music legends who followed Burgess in paying tribute to Duffy included DJ Justin Robertson, the electronic band Asian Dub Foundation, and Oasis star, Liam Gallagher. 

RIP DUFFY PRIMAL SCREAM DYA KNOW WHAT I MEAN LG x

— Liam Gallagher (@liamgallagher) December 20, 2022

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