The Specials' last ever album 'a fitting tribute to Terry Hall'

The Specials' last ever album 'a fitting tribute to Terry Hall'Image source, Sterling ChandlerImage caption, The Specials frontman Terry Hall died in 2022ByVanessa PearceWest MidlandsPublished2 hours agoAchieving seven consecutive top-10 singles between 1979 and 1981, The Specials are arguably one of the most politically significant and influential bands of their era. Their 1981 hit Ghost Town, widely regarded as a classic, captured the social unrest and economic decline of the time, becoming the soundtrack to riots that swept across England during that summer. More than four decades on, the band believes their music remains as relevant today as it was then. Following the death of frontman Terry Hall in 2022, The Specials are preparing to release what will be their final album.Recorded during four performances at Coventry Cathedral, the album captures live shows that the band said were "more than just concerts"."For us, they were some of the most memorable and emotional shows we have ever played, and these recordings serve as a fitting tribute to, and celebration of, our wonderful and brilliant friend Terry," the band added."I didn't realise how special the recordings were until we listened back and thought 'oh my god, we were really on fire,'" guitarist Lynval Golding told BBC Radio 2.Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, The Specials played four nights in the ruins of Coventry Cathedral in 2019"The band was kicking, everyone was so tight, every night we nailed it and every night was an absolutely amazing performance," Golding said. "It's a piece of work that needed to be put out there because obviously people know Terry Hall is spiritually with us but no longer physically with us."The cathedral provided a fitting backdrop for the band's homecoming and last album, bassist Horace Panter explained.They had previously played at a city venue he described as a "big concrete...