"Wish I had lipstick on my shirt instead of piss stains on my shoes "

downredblack · April 09, 2008, 01:40:20 PM

Great news

hope they come to Ireland

Ska band confirms reunion plans

The band had a huge musical influence in the late 1970s
The Specials, whose records highlighted rising unemployment and social problems in Britain 30 years ago, have confirmed they have reformed.

The Coventry ska outfit, whose hits include Ghost Town and Too Much Too Young, were hugely influential in the late 70s and early 80s.

Singer-songwriter Neville Staple said the group had recently been rehearsing.

Former lead singer Terry Hall is said to have rejoined the line up, after leaving because of a rift.

Speaking to BBC Radio 6 Music earlier this year, he said no tour dates had yet been confirmed.

"Well we're still trying to put dates together, but hopefully September or October time.

"We need to spend the summer rehearsing... I think it's taken me 30 years to realise we could do it really well."

Band members Terry Hall and Lynval Golding made surprise appearances at last year's Glastonbury Festival.

Sorry lads wrong board , how can I move it ?

Gnevin · April 09, 2008, 01:44:07 PM

just delete and recreate it

Denn Forever · April 09, 2008, 01:44:49 PM

Great news but are we now to old to really enjoy it, dancing like a mad thing.

downredblack · December 03, 2008, 03:59:26 PM

No Irish Gig .

"...We are proud to announce that 2009 will see the live return of Coventry's finest, The Specials.
One of the most important bands in the history of popular music and recognised as one of the greatest live bands the world has ever seen have been the subject of continuous rumours and demands for their reformation since their split in 1981.

It would be impossible to overstate the importance of The Specials to the UK music scene. Despite a brief career, the Coventry band lit up the late 70's like a comet, their melding of punk and ska creating the 2-tone sound that is still today is held up as an influence by bands across the world. Now, thirty years since the release of their debut single, 'Gangsters', The Specials will take to the road for a UK tour starting in April.

Over two studio albums, The Specials scored eight top ten singles, including two number ones for the 'Too Much Too Young' live EP and the era defining 'Ghost Town', two Top 5 albums and spawned a retrospective list of compilation and live albums from official releases to much sought after bootlegs. The band were rightly regarded as the starting point of the ska scene that swept the UK through 1978 and, in many ways, were emblematic of their times, their songs dealing with the confusion of a country in industrial decline whilst struggling to come to terms with multi-culturalism and a new creed which became known as Thatcherism. Their re-emergence into a Britain teetering on the edge of recession and still plagued by the same divisions and problems that they so memorably highlighted in 'Ghost Town' could not seem more apt, the songs from 'The Specials' and 'More Specials' seeming as relevant today as they did 30 years ago.

"nothing ever change" Do Nothing – The Specials

Live in 2009

22 April NEWCASTLE, Academy 0844 477 2000 *
23 April SHEFFIELD, Academy 0844 477 2000 *
25 April BIRMINGHAM, Academy 0844 477 2000 **
26 April BIRMINGHAM, Academy 0844 477 2000
28 April GLASGOW, Academy 08444 999 990
3 May MANCHESTER, Apollo 08444 777 677
6 May LONDON, Brixton Academy 0844 477 2000
7 May LONDON, Brixton Academy 0844 477 2000

Tickets go on sale 9am Thursday 11th December priced £32.50 in advance except London £35.
24 hr CC Hotline: 0871 2200 260 / online: www.gigsandtours.com
Doors 7pm except * tbc and ** 6pm.
_________________
It doesn't make it alright y'know...

thejuice · December 03, 2008, 04:03:47 PM

Think I'll do one of the Birmingham ones.

under the bar · December 03, 2008, 04:21:48 PM

There'll be a Belfast gig. Wonderland will be onto their agent like a rat up a drainpipe!

Armamike · December 08, 2008, 10:44:05 PM

It's been on the cards a few months now but i thought i'd never see this happen. Always a big regret of mine i didn't get to see them live the first time round....awesome live band. Pity Dammers isn't involved but 6 out of the original 7 with Hall on board is about as good as it will probably get.

downredblack · April 07, 2009, 12:25:03 PM

The Specials are on Jools Holland tonight BBC 2 10pm .

mrsandman · April 07, 2009, 02:39:18 PM

they're appearing at oxegen as far as I know! so get your tickets sorted lads

thejuice · April 07, 2009, 03:51:44 PM

Totally forgot about this, wonder are there any left for Birm gigs,

downredblack · July 23, 2009, 01:20:54 PM

Lads , I was away when these went on sale so missed them . If anyone knows of someone looking rid of 3 tickets Sat or Sun please drop me a PM .

downredblack · August 02, 2009, 03:28:42 AM

Calling all SKA fans - Any tickets going for this one ? Nothing on Toutless , drop us a PM if you know anyone with tickets for either night .

downredblack · November 06, 2009, 02:03:43 PM

Just after getting 3 tickets for the Sunday night , anyone else going ?

Armamike · November 06, 2009, 10:42:34 PM

Heading to the Belfast show, saw them in Manchester in May. They're a great live band. See they've add stupid marriage to their set list.

downredblack · November 07, 2009, 12:32:27 AM

Quote from: Armamike on November 06, 2009, 10:42:34 PM
Heading to the Belfast show, saw them in Manchester in May. They're a great live band. See they've add stupid marriage to their set list.

Yeah heard it was at the expense of one of the songs from the Skinhead Symphony ? at this stage too excited to give one . Whatever they play will do me , can't believe I'm going to see them live . Can't wait .

Enjoy Yourself - In Belfast Armamike I know I will in Dublin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwAMvg97FMI