Author Topic: The Specials (Read 3261 times)

Red-Dread · « **on:** April 29, 2009, 09:52:32 pm »

Just got tickets at cost price off ebay to see The Specials in Mancland this coming Sunday

Been hoping for years that they'd reform, having been just too young (not much)

to catch them first time around. I don't usually go for reunions as they're usually lame affairs, but The Specials are sounding blinding.

Can't wait...anyone else going?

FlashingBlade · « **Reply #1 on:** April 29, 2009, 11:05:36 pm »

Saw them supporting the Clash in 78 then on numerous occasions with Madness....amongst my best gigs ever!

rafathegaffa83 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2009, 12:34:15 pm »

Do Nothing, Ghost Town, Gangsters, Rat Race: all classics

pazcom · « **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2009, 12:37:28 pm »

my other half and a few of her mates are off to see them next Friday (8th may) at the Brixton Acadamy

Djibriliant · « **Reply #4 on:** April 30, 2009, 01:02:33 pm »

Can never take Ghost Town seriously anymore after Father Ted

Fulla · « **Reply #5 on:** April 30, 2009, 01:16:56 pm »

without Jerry Dammers, right? bah!

It's funny, I love ska, but can't get into the Specials. I know they kickstarted the second wave and started 2Tone and all that, but I just don't like the actual music very much. Some exceptions of course! (Ghost Town, Stupid Marriage, Too Much Too young, Guns of Navarone)

redcb500 · « **Reply #6 on:** April 30, 2009, 01:42:24 pm »

"Saw them supporting the Clash in 78 then on numerous occasions with Madness....amongst my best gigs ever!"

I saw them on that tour at the music machine in camden.
The clash were awesome and the specials brill, i think the mekons were also on the bill.
And a two piece electronic band called suide, who were bottled off the stage.
God this takes me back, gotta dig out the first clash album now.

Mr Mojo Risin' · « **Reply #7 on:** April 30, 2009, 01:46:40 pm »

going the hometown gig in two weeks. it will be special,very very special. oi! oi!

fletcheri · « **Reply #8 on:** April 30, 2009, 01:55:27 pm »

Saw them on Mountford Hall with The Selector and Dexys Midnight Runners around 78/79 brilliant gig. They recorded Too Much Too Young for the live EP at the gig (i think they used another venues recording though)

lfcss · « **Reply #9 on:** April 30, 2009, 05:27:08 pm »

Never seen them personally but they played a gig in Shefield last week when I was here for work.Local pubs looked like a Ross Kemp lookalike convention.
One of their recent gigs was reviewed this week in either The Telegraph or Independent (sorry cant remember which) and they pretty much called them the best live act in the country.

kavah · « **Reply #10 on:** April 30, 2009, 07:19:32 pm »

what a boss band.

What a weepin' and wailin' down a Caymanas park ... love songs about losing money

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3ItdFydORI

Fulla · « **Reply #11 on:** April 30, 2009, 08:47:16 pm »

super version of a super song!

Buck Pete · « **Reply #12 on:** April 30, 2009, 09:51:48 pm »

Quote from: Fulla on April 30, 2009, 01:16:56 pm

without Jerry Dammers, right? bah!

Ah, thought i sounded too good to be true.

Dammers was the gennius behind the Specials. Although Terry Hall is no mug and his vocal is truly unique.

Should be a good gig. enjoy.

Wonder if they will do the Skinhead Moonstomp?

FlashingBlade · « **Reply #13 on:** April 30, 2009, 10:16:55 pm »

"Ghostown" Is up there amongst the greatest ever pop songs describing British urban life...ever!!!!....FACT!!!

FlashingBlade · « **Reply #14 on:** April 30, 2009, 10:18:01 pm »

Quote from: redcb500 on April 30, 2009, 01:42:24 pm

"Saw them supporting the Clash in 78 then on numerous occasions with Madness....amongst my best gigs ever!"

I saw them on that tour at the music machine in camden.
The clash were awesome and the specials brill, i think the mekons were also on the bill.
And a two piece electronic band called suide, who were bottled off the stage.
God this takes me back, gotta dig out the first clash album now.

I think the tour with suicide was around late 77

Buck Pete · « **Reply #15 on:** May 1, 2009, 01:31:26 pm »

Quote from: FlashingBlade on April 30, 2009, 10:16:55 pm

"Ghostown" Is up there amongst the greatest ever pop songs describing British urban life...ever!!!!....FACT!!!

Agreed. along with UB40's 1 in 10.

Ghost Town never fails to rekindle the memories of the early 80's and Thatcher era. I was only a young teenager but Ghost Town always brings back those pictures from Toxteth,Moss side and Brixton.

And the 6 minute extended version of Ghost Town is class with the really long atmospheric trumpet solo at the end.

If you havent listened to the extended version i urge you to give it a go.

Red-Dread · « **Reply #16 on:** May 1, 2009, 01:44:10 pm »

Quote from: FlashingBlade on April 30, 2009, 10:18:01 pm

I think the tour with suicide was around late 77

I saw Suicide in 1987 at a Hawkwind all-nighter. They were, er, unusual!

Mr Mojo Risin' · « **Reply #17 on:** May 5, 2009, 10:51:56 am »

Any reports from ska'dom?

Red-Dread · « **Reply #18 on:** May 5, 2009, 01:18:40 pm »

Quote from: Mr Mojo Risin' on May 5, 2009, 10:51:56 am

Any reports from ska'dom?

Yeah - was one of the best gigs I've been to...and I have been an avid live music follower for over 25 years.

Atmosphere was incredible, euphoric even. The whole place was jumping for two hours. The Specials were....special. This was no limp reunion....if you can get hold of a ticket for any of their remaining gigs you will have a top top night

Mr Mojo Risin' · « **Reply #19 on:** May 5, 2009, 02:39:29 pm »

Quote from: Red-Dread on May 5, 2009, 01:18:40 pm

Yeah - was one of the best gigs I've been to...and I have been an avid live music follower for over 25 years.

Atmosphere was incredible, euphoric even. The whole place was jumping for two hours. The Specials were....special. This was no limp reunion....if you can get hold of a ticket for any of their remaining gigs you will have a top top night

v.i.p'd up for the ricoh on the 15th.

Red-Dread · « **Reply #20 on:** May 5, 2009, 04:29:12 pm »

You will have a blast mate.

Was such a great night that I was thinking about hitting ebay and maybe going to see them again while it's still possible

hassinator · « **Reply #21 on:** May 5, 2009, 05:44:13 pm »

i love the specials until i found out terry hall supports man utd

please make your feelings known on this if you're already going to the gig.

Mr Mojo Risin' · « **Reply #22 on:** May 12, 2009, 06:43:22 pm »

tick-tock for the homecoming gig.....

anyone have the pleasure of going the Brixton gigs?

FlashingBlade · « **Reply #23 on:** May 13, 2009, 06:37:52 pm »

I've been a few years ago in Amsterdam and they were really good! Went backstage as well, they said they couldn't perform one of my favourite songs (Stereotypes), cos they were too much out of their minds when they recorded that one and never were able to perform it like that in real. Haha.

ps - this is sinas btw, not FB, just using his sign-in...

Mr Mojo Risin' · « **Reply #24 on:** May 15, 2009, 09:44:20 am »

Quote from: FlashingBlade on May 13, 2009, 06:37:52 pm

I've been a few years ago in Amsterdam and they were really good! Went backstage as well, they said they couldn't perform one of my favourite songs (Stereotypes), cos they were too much out of their minds when they recorded that one and never were able to perform it like that in real. Haha.

ps - this is sinas btw, not FB, just using his sign-in...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N971HdBIaXA

tonight's the night!!!

Mr Mojo Risin' · « **Reply #25 on:** May 16, 2009, 12:57:56 am »

where, did you get ,that........

absolutely mentaql, mayhem.no encore whic was surprising, but top dollar all the same. oi!

Mr Mojo Risin' · « **Reply #26 on:** June 8, 2009, 06:40:02 pm »

For those that may have missed them so far.....

1 November CARDIFF Arena 02920 224488
2 November BRIDLINGTON Spa 01262 678258
4 November BLACKPOOL Empress Ballroom 0871 2200 260
5 November PLYMOUTH Pavilion 0845 1461460
7 November MARGATE Winter Gardens 01843 292 795
9 November WOLVERHAMPTON Civic 0870 320 7000
12 November EDINBURGH Corn Exchange 08444 999 990
18 November SOUTHEND Cliffs Pavilion 01702 351135
19 November BRIGHTON Centre 0844 847 1515
21 November NOTTINGHAM Rock City 08713 100000
22 November NOTTINGHAM Rock City 08713 100000
24 November LONDON Hammersmith Apollo 08448 444748
25 November LONDON Hammersmith Apollo 08448 444748

Tickets go on sale 9am Friday 12th June priced £32.50 in advance except London £35.

Papey · « **Reply #27 on:** June 8, 2009, 09:16:06 pm »

Quote from: Djibriliant on April 30, 2009, 01:02:33 pm

Can never take Ghost Town seriously anymore after Father Ted

skidz73 · « **Reply #28 on:** June 8, 2009, 09:16:12 pm »

I was at the Leeds Millenium Square gig. Can't imagine there have been many outdoor shows so far, and I'd wager this was one of the best of the lot so far.

Ron · « **Reply #29 on:** June 10, 2009, 12:04:39 pm »

What's the line up these days ?
Is Terry Hall in ?

Mr Mojo Risin' · « **Reply #30 on:** June 10, 2009, 01:29:07 pm »

Quote from: Ron on June 10, 2009, 12:04:39 pm

What's the line up these days ?
Is Terry Hall in ?

Yes. All but Jerry Dammers.

JURGENKLOPP · « **Reply #31 on:** June 10, 2009, 01:33:38 pm »

Might go to the Southend gig, would love ot see them!

Mr Mojo Risin' · « **Reply #32 on:** June 10, 2009, 01:49:05 pm »

Quote from: BRENOBRIEN on June 10, 2009, 01:33:38 pm

Might go to the Southend gig, would love ot see them!

I've been lucky enough to see a huge amount of bands over time, but
never nothing as chaotic and fun as the Specials gig at Coventry.Go see them,
you'll enjoy it i'm sure.

Bob Loblaw · « **Reply #33 on:** June 10, 2009, 03:39:11 pm »

Pressure drop!!!!

rafathegaffa83 · « **Reply #34 on:** March 3, 2010, 02:37:42 am »

I recently read an article in the Guardian about the city of Detroit and I automatically thought of this song. Amazing that this track is still magically haunting, pertinent and brilliant almost thirty years later. Absolutely timeless.

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/SsCeUUSsAKs&hl=en_GB&fs=1&" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" class="bbc_link bbc_flash_disabled new_win">http://www.youtube.com/v/SsCeUUSsAKs&hl=en_GB&fs=1&</a>

Buck Pete · « **Reply #35 on:** November 17, 2022, 05:35:01 pm »

Can't find a 2Tone thread so sticking this in here.

My son works in TV set design and is currently working on-set in Birmingham on a new BBC drama from the creator of Peaky Blinders, Steven Knight. Working title is actually "2Tone".

"It tells the story of an extended family and four young people who are drawn into the world of ska and two tone music, which grew from the grass roots of Coventry and Birmingham in the late 70s and early 80s."

Looks really good for 2Tone fans such as myself

My lad has been set dressing a row of shops on the Druids Heath estate in Brum. He says its the roughest place he's ever been to, bar none.

Black Bull Nova · « **Reply #36 on:** November 17, 2022, 07:08:09 pm »

"This town, gonna be like a ghost town"

Tory Budget

BarryCrocker · « **Reply #37 on:** November 18, 2022, 03:00:03 am »

One of my most prized possessions is this on vinyl.

Only the 2nd live single to reach No. 1 in the UK.

Boston always unofficial · « **Reply #38 on:** November 18, 2022, 06:08:37 pm »

Quote from: Black Bull Nova on November 17, 2022, 07:08:09 pm

"This town, gonna be like a ghost town"

Tory Budget

Was that the bass player?