Terry Corridor of The Specials dies aged 63

Tributes have been paid to The Specials and former Enjoyable Boy Three frontman, Terry Corridor, who has died aged 63.

The information was confirmed shortly earlier than 11pm on 19 December. A press release learn: “It’s with nice disappointment that we announce the passing, following a quick sickness, of Terry, our lovely pal, brother and one of the vital sensible singers, songwriters and lyricists this nation has ever produced.

“Terry was a beautiful husband and father and one of many kindest, funniest, and most real of souls. His music and his performances encapsulated the very essence of life… the enjoyment, the ache, the humour, the combat for justice, however principally the love.

“He might be deeply missed by all who knew and beloved him and leaves behind the reward of his exceptional music and profound humanity.

“Terry usually left the stage on the finish of The Specials’ life-affirming reveals with three phrases… “Love Love Love.”

“We might ask that everybody respect the household’s privateness at this very unhappy time.”

“One of many biggest frontmen from one of many biggest bands”

Contemporaries flocked to pay tribute to Corridor, who additionally fronted Enjoyable Boy Three and loved a profitable solo profession.

Former bandmate Neville Staple heard the information whereas on a household vacation in Egypt and stated: “I used to be deeply saddened to listen to about Terry Corridor‘s passing on Sunday. We knew Terry had been unwell however didn’t realise how critical till just lately.

“We had solely simply confirmed some 2023 joint music agreements collectively. This has hit me exhausting and have to be extraordinarily troublesome for Terry’s spouse and household. Within the music world, individuals have many ups and downs, however I’ll hold onto the good recollections of Terry and I, making historical past fronting The Specials and Enjoyable Boy three collectively. Relaxation simple Terry Corridor.”

The Go-Go’s Jane Wiedlin took to Twitter to say: “Gutted to listen to of the passing of Terry Corridor. He was a stunning, delicate, gifted and distinctive individual. Our extraordinarily transient romance resulted within the track Our Lips Are Sealed, which can perpetually tie us collectively in music historical past. Horrible information to listen to this.”

Bananarama posted on social media: “We’re so saddened to listen to of Terry’s passing. It was a telephone name from him that modified our lives. It was a pleasure and a privilege to have identified him. We’ll treasure the recollections of the time we spent with this lovely, gifted and humorous gentleman.”

Squeeze’s Chris Difford stated: “Terry Corridor, a person of few phrases verbally however so many nice phrases in track. I all the time admired and envied his sweep of the pen. Take care on the steps above younger man.”

Broadcaster Matt Everitt added: “Terry Corridor was a presence in my life for nearly so long as I can bear in mind. In contrast to these huge cultural ideas of The Beatles, Bowie or The Stones, he was extra like the large brother you regarded as much as, who often pops dwelling and leaves a document or two so that you can obsess over.”

Elvis Costello, who produced The Specials’ debut album stated: “Unhappy to obtain the information of Terry Corridor’s passing final evening from Lynval Golding. Terry’s voice was the right instrument for the true and obligatory songs on “The Specials”. That honesty is heard in so lots of his songs in pleasure and sorrow. My condolences to his household and associates.”

Completely happy Mondays’ Rowetta stated: “One of many biggest frontmen from one of many biggest bands. And a stunning, type, right down to earth man. I’ll miss his music, his United submit match honesty, his messages…”

Corridor’s profession in music started with the Coventry Automatics, which morphed into The Specials in early 1979. The ska band would turn into one of the vital influential and essential teams of the late 70s and early 80s, releasing a string of hit singles, together with the seminal No.1 Ghost City in addition to two albums, an eponymous debut in October 1979 and its follow-up, Extra Specials, in the summertime of 1980.

With bandmates Lynval Golding and Neville Staple, Corridor left The Specials to type Enjoyable Boy Three in 1981. The trio hit the bottom working, releasing the one The Lunatics (Have Taken Over the Asylum) adopted in 1982 by the Bananarama duet, It Ain’t What You Do (It’s The Means That You Do It). The group’s debut album, The Enjoyable Boy Three, was launched in March 1982 and made No.7 on the UK chart. Enjoyable Boy Three’s second album, Ready, included Corridor’s co-write with Jane Wiedlin Our Lips Are Sealed.

When Enjoyable Boy Three cut up, Corridor shaped The Colourfield, a undertaking which resulted in collaborations with The Lightning Seeds’ Ian Broudie. Within the 90s, Corridor would additionally work with Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart as one half of Vegas and launch his personal solo profession.

In 2008, Corridor joined a reformed Specials for reside reveals. The band would go on to document 2019’s Encore beneath the Specials’ banner – their first LP of authentic materials since 1998’s Responsible ’til Proved Harmless. The critically-acclaimed comeback album was adopted by a group of canopy, 2021’s Protest Songs 1924-2012.