One of Britain’s most iconic voices left us this week. On December 19, Terry Hall, best known as the singer of iconic ska revival outfit the Specials and new wave pop trio Fun Boy Three, passed away at the age of 63. A legend across a range of genres and cultures, he contributed to blurring the polarity in music and that is what he will be remembered for most.

Hall was a musician’s musician — your favorite artist’s favorite artist.

Among the countless tributes in honor of his vibrant life was a brief piano recording from Gorillaz and Blur mastermind Damon Albarn. A massive figure in the English music space, he made it a point to acknowledge Hall’s influence on his success. The clip he posted on social media is only a little over a minute long but manages to encapsulate how strongly Albarn felt about his late friend and idol.

He can be seen and heard playing a heartfelt rendition of the Specials’ 1980 classic “Friday Night, Saturday Morning” under the caption, “Terry, you meant the world to me. I love you.” That’s how little it takes to express just how much Hall meant to the world.

Terry, you meant the world to me. I love you. pic.twitter.com/0JFpRZUEmb

— Damon Albarn (@Damonalbarn) December 20, 2022

The Specials confirmed the former frontman‘s passing on social media and honored him with the following statement: “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.”

Photo Credit: Marv Watson