The Specials Return

Last updated : 26 April 2009 By Kev Monks
All good things come to those who wait and after twenty seven long years, The Specials have returned and done so in style.

Celebrating their 30th anniversary, Coventry's finest led 2,500 fans, many of whom had travelled from Coventry and Warwickshire at the Carling Academy in Birmingham last night through two hours of sheer musical heaven.

From the first note of "Do The Dog", the place erupted with every word sung as much by the fans as by Terry Hall, Neville Staples, Roddy Radiation and Lynval Golding.


Terry Hall (pic courtesy of Pete Chambers)

"Gangsters" which has become popular at Coventry City away games was every bit as good as when the band last toured with Jerry Dammers.


photo courtesy of Pete Chambers

Thirty years ago, Britain was in the midst of a recession and today we are in the same scenario meaning that songs such as Ghost Town, Too Much Too Young, Do Nothing and Nite Klub are as relevant as they were from 1979-1982.

The hot, sweaty crowd lapped up every note with relish as Monkey Man, Hey Little Rich Girl, Little Bitch, Rat Race and A Message To You Rudy. kept the atmosphere at fever pitch.

With "Longshot Kick Da Bucket"/ "Liquidator", "Skinhead Moonstomp" and "Enjoy Yourself", making up the encore, a very Special evening was complete.

Specials Bass player Horace Panter often says "You have made an old man very happy" but last night, Horace and the rest of the band made 2,500 fans leave with a performance that we would pay to see time and time again.

The Specials have another night at the Birmingham Academy tonight. It is sold out as is the gig in the Jaguar Exhibition Hall at the Ricoh Arena on May 15th.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ux7S3l5AEo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVefksDLhu4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_tOkmIrIgE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iPqt90Gj13Q