The Specials - Friday Night, Saturday Morning - Brixton 12 May

[daypeshmodd]

Week after I wrote my first comment,I either heard it mentionned by Terry or in documentaries, that he's bipolar, about 10 times. He's better, but's not a good thing either- have a bipolar friend who also suffers from meds' side effects & the illness is never gone.

Have known Terry all his career, I'm a huge fan, find him really charismatic, the guy's witty & funny, but he used to be a bit more lively- in early Specials + FB3...- was often drunk though. Watch lots of vids:he's not a bore!

[slizzamtizzam]

he has mentioned it in interviews... book, etc... do your research... bipolar is not nessicerally a bad thing... he has said that he is on the proper mixture of meds that keep him going.... he[s fine

... As for his stage presence... that has absolutely nothing to do w/ that... he has always had that ... look to previous performances.. ;thats just his way... and "i" personally find it very "charasmatic"......

[bluestuff27]

man hes probably tired, give the guy a break :)

[martinlowens]

Love the song, but he's got all the stage presence of a soggy paper bag. Up until the instrumental break / keyboard solo, I thought maybe someone had put superglue on his mic stand for a laugh. What a drippy frontman !!

[uglybus7]

@martinlowens terry hall has bipolar sydrome,so he's doing well to perform to thousands!!! do your research before casting opinions....it really helps you know.

[martinlowens]

@uglybus7 Man, how many people "research" their opinions? An opinion is an organic and often impromptu comment based on what they feel or think at the time. I bought the 7" single of this song when it came out in 1981 and have loved it ever since. In the years since then, I have not ONCE read anything about the singer being Bipolar. I'm not doubting that he is, I'm just saying that it's hardly common knowledge. Anyway, let's build a bridge and get over it hey?

[uglybus7]

@martinlowens thats fine by me....no probs and i bought it when released too. I'm in a covers band,we do this and gangsters,too much too young!!! great tracks and always go down a treat.

[daypeshmodd]

@uglybus7 It's the 2nd time I see a fan mentionning Terry is bipolar, though I haven't read it officially anywhere either. And I did read some stuff about him (maybe not enough). I'm not saying it's not true, but I'd like you to point me in the right direction as to what to read, if you don't mind.

I still find it hard to believe, cos it's hard to imagine Terry being in a manic phase. On the other hand, him suffering from depression is very plausible. I realize you posted this 11 m ago.

[fez41]

@martinlowens Terry Hall's 'stage presence' as you put it is pretty unique and refreshing (as it always has been) and certainly complements the specials brilliantly crafted satire and tongue in cheek overview of life late 70's/early 80's. If you're looking for a little 'animation' in your front persons, maybe JLS or gaga would be more up your street? Did you really buy the single when it came out? At your age?????