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The Specials are a trend-starting ska-revival and 2 Tone band that came together in 1977 in Coventry, England. The band was responsible for starting the early ‘80s ska scene and released a string of timeless songs including “"A Message to You, Rudy" and “Too Much, Too Young.”
Band members Jerry Dammers, Tim Strickland, Silverton Hutchinson, Horace Panter and Lynval Golding started the band with the intention of creating a musical statement against racism. As with the punk era it followed, the ska scene featured politically minded lyrics. This trend was started by The Specials, and their mixture of reggae dancehall music and modern British political lyrics proved very popular.
Tim Strickland was replaced by Terry Hall shortly after the band's formation and within a year they had added Neville Staple and Roddy Radiation to the group. Another line-up change occurred soon after, as drummer Silverton Hutchinson was replaced by John Bradbury just before the band released their debut single, “Gangsters.” Released on Jerry Dammers own label, 2 Tone Records, the song was a hit and they quickly followed with their self-titled debut album in 1979. They returned to the recording studio for the follow-up, titled More Specials, in 1980, which included backing vocals from the likes of Belinda Carlisle and Chrissie Hynde. They hit No. 1 in the charts again with the huge hit “Ghost Town,” a song that still gets used regularly in movies and TV shows today as an iconic, instantly recognizable song from the era.
At the end of 1981, three key members of the band left to form Fun Boy Three, and new talent was brought in. While the band continued to tour all over, front-man Jerry Dammers was finding a new passion away from music, and in 1984 he dissolved the band to pursue his political activism work on a full-time basis. Various members of the band toured in off-shoot bands and there were various short-lived and one-off attempts at reunions in the ‘90s, but finally in the ‘00s fans got to see a more authentic version ofTthe Specials, as they performed in a number of high-profile gigs with many original members. One such performance came in 2007 alongside Lily Allen and Damon Albarn at Glastonbury. In 2013, The Specials released a new live album titled More... Or Less, and they plan to keep on working together.
40th anniversary tour, and these guys still have it, great new material, mixed in with the standards that are fantastic, lots of energy, sound was great, good venue (good acoustics, ample room, good bars, great staff)
THEY PLAYED A FANTASTIC SHOW AND WE HAD A GREAT TIME. IT HAS BEEN A VERY LONG TIME SINCE WE LAST SAW ANY VERSION OF THE SPECIALS AND WE GOT TO HEAR SOME AWESOME CLASSICS. NOTE TO SELF WEAR SHORTS!
I appreciate The Fillmore having ADA seating but the clumsy elevator protocol was stigmatizing and awkward. You needed a key and I was told to enter the elevator without a key--and was unable to open the doors or move. The music was too loud for anyone to hear and let me out. They should station someone on the elevator to make sure users are not stuck or made to feel they are a pest for needing to use it. Everyone was nice but it is awkward to have to ask permission to go to and from the bathroom like a grade school student.
It's remarkable how much energy these guys continue to put into every show, although I'm sure it's easier when the audience is as enthusiastic as Monday night's was. This was a joyful show that reminded me that things have been rough for a long time, and things can always get better. Here's to the next 40 years.
Have been a fan of The Specials since 1982 but never had an opportunity to see them until now. The show was absolutely amazing! The band has not missed a beat! Played so many old favorites plus a few newer hits. The Fox Theater was the perfect venue. We chose to stand/dance up front but there were plenty of other areas if that wasn't your thing. If you have a chance to catch a show, do it. You will not be disappointed.
One of the best shows of the year! The Specials really killed it, what a great band, and awesome show.
The Specials are a great band to see always sound great love their songs and everyone is really into it they have great fans.
The show rocked! Sound system was amazing. The Specials were spot on. Staff at the event were good made sure everyone was taken care of.
As a long time fan, The Specials did not disappoint. Highly recommend seeing them if you ever get the chance... that’s my message to Rudy.
They were great! I was taken back to the mid 80's and in a Santa Cruz nightclub that I was wasn't supposed to be legally in. But I got in and heard the Specials for the first time... a fan.
The Specials hit the stage in oakland in front of. a enthaistic sold our crowd and their smiles never left their faces. Even Terry seemed to be having a good rime. The crowd new the lyrics by heart and perform d extended versions of many songs to the obvious joy of the band . The Specials sent a strong message of fun to this crowd hungry for joy.
Terry hall, all I got to say. They played everything you want to hear perfect. Jah!
The specials put on an amazing show. Couldn't be happier with thier performance.
I always see the Specials when they're in town. The music is so much fun. Totally danceable and upbeat. Everyone i've ever taken to see them comes away amazed. Recommended for anybody of any age. Although i think they sometimes need a bigger venue.
I'd never seen the Specials with original lead singer Terry Hall, and was standing 2 people back from the stage, so needless to say this was incredibly awesome. OTOH every single listing for this show indicated that the Specials were on at 7. I walked in at 7:10 to an almost empty room. Obviously it was doors at 7. The Specials went on at 9:15. Which would have been less annoying had the HOB had a beer selection that stretched past mainstream brews and pseudo-crafts like Harpoon and Sam Adams. The staff however were friendly and the venue is nice. It shouldn't be so hard to find out what time a show actually starts!
Awesome Show!...Highly recommendable...Had a very time...
A brilliant night was had, brought a few friend that hadn't seen them before and hey love them. Terminal 5 is a great venue I seen the Specials there 3 years ago and as always they were brilliant
I have not seen this band in almost 30 years,but they were as good as ever! Very happy to have seen them again and would certainly see them again!
The Specials were outstanding. Best gig I've been to in quite a while. A rather dreary and vanilla hipster support band and the drinks prices are out of control but these things weren't enough to ruin the brilliant main act.
Sold out show yet once again for the fabulous Specials! I hadn't seen them since the 80's but never stopped listening to them! They played so many of my favorite songs & could not stop pogo-ing on the dance floor. I highly recommend seeing them if you love SKA bands. I hope they keep it going another 10 years! It was general admission & a sold out show . Would've been a lot more comfortable if the air conditioning was adequate for the overly packed venue. It seemed Terminal 5 was wayyyyy over the maximum capacity.
