The Specials’ last filmed show before Terry Hall’s death to air on TV next month

The last filmed show of The Specials with lead singer Terry Hall, before his untimely death in 2022, is set to air on television.

The Specials: Live From Coventry Cathedral was filmed in the band’s hometown in 2019 as part of their 40th anniversary tour over a four-day engagement at the local landmark. The band announced its release on social media yesterday (November 28).

The concert film will now be screened for the first time via Sky Arts on December 20 at 9pm UK time. The final performance of The Specials with Hall took place on August 20, 2022 at Ottery St. Mary in Devon as part of the Beautiful Days Festival.

The charismatic frontman and mental health advocate passed away at the age of 63 after a “brief illness”. The band’s bassist, Horace Panter, subsequently confirmed that Hall had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer that had spread to his liver.

“Terry was a wonderful husband and father and one of the kindest, funniest, and most genuine of souls,” the band said, calling him “one of the most brilliant singers, songwriters and lyricists this country has ever produced.

“His music and his performances encapsulated the very essence of life… the joy, the pain, the humour, the fight for justice, but mostly the love.”

Ex-Specials member Neville Staple said he was “deeply saddened” by the singer’s passing. “We knew Terry had been unwell but didn’t realise how serious until recently,” Staple wrote on Twitter. “We had only just confirmed some 2023 joint music agreements together. This has hit me.”

In April, The Specials’ Lynval Golding gave an on-camera speech prior to No Doubt’s reunion at Coachella 2024, where he shared more about his band’s reunion that lasted from 2008 to 2022.

He explained that it had previously taken him five years to get The Specials back together, adding: “And my God, what an emotional time that was. When we hit the stage that first night, it was incredible.”