Incredible photos of Terry Hall at one of The Specials’ early gigs in Birmingham - supporting The Clash

UB40 are among the many leading tributes to Terry Hall the Midland music hero and frontman for The Specials.

Members of the band, formed in Coventry in 1977, announced via social media on Monday night that the singer had passed away after a “brief illness”. He was 63.

"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," they wrote in a statement.

The Specials created some of the most iconic songs of the 1980s, including Ghost Town, Gangsters and Too Much Too Young.

UB40 were among the first to release a tribute in response. The band said: “We are very sad to hear of the passing of Terry Hall the lead singer of @thespecials,” they posted. “Another one gone too soon! RIP Terry #terryhall #rip.”

His new wave contemporary Elivs Costello also paid his respects, saying: "Sad to receive the news of Terry Hall’s passing last night from Lynval Golding. Terry’s voice was the perfect instrument for the true and necessary songs on The Specials,” he tweeted.

“That honesty is heard in so many of his songs in joy and sorrow. My condolences to his family and friends."

The Specials were originally known as the Coventry Automatics, but changed their name in 1977. One of their first gigs was to support The Clash at Birmingham’s Top Rank, in Dale End in the city centre, in July 1978.

Birmingham photographer Mick Geoghagen captured the action, which has been documented by Birmingham Music Archive.

Here are four pictures of The Specials in one of their early gigs in Birmingham: