– The Specials – In session for John Peel – BBC – May 23, 1979 – BBC Radio 1 –
Getting Tuesday night ready for Wednesday with a session from The Specials, probably the best known of the Two-Tone bands (at least in the U.S.) recorded for John Peel at the BBC on May 23, 1979.
Like all the bands from Two-Tone, they were deeply influenced by Jamaican Ska and Rocksteady – and also like most of the bands from Two-Tone, they were also very politically aware, and much of their best work had to do with poverty, racism and the class-struggle in the UK. The music was fast-paced and frenetic, while the lyrics were razor-sharp.
After some early changes, the first stable lineup of the group consisted of Terry Hall and Neville Staple on vocals, Jerry Dammers on keyboards, Lynval Golding and Roddy Radiation on guitars, Horace Panter on bass, John Bradbury on drums, and Dick Cuthell and Rico Rodriguez on horns. The band wore mod-style “1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits and loafers)”. Their music combines the danceable rhythms of ska and rocksteady with the energy and attitude of punk. Lyrically, their work (often written by primary songwriter Dammers) presented overt political and social commentary.
In 1980, their The Special AKA Live! EP, featuring lead track “Too Much Too Young”, reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.[7] In 1981, the recession-themed single “Ghost Town” also hit No. 1 in the UK.[4]
Formed in 1977 and going until 1984, where the band splintered off in several different directions. The Specials reunited in the mid-1990s before splintering off again in 2001. At last report, the band got back together in 2008 and are still gigging and recording.
Tonight it’s during the early period, when they were responsible for a string of hits, starting with Gangsters. A thoroughly memorable band, if you caught them live early-on. Non-stop energy, with power to spare. One of the greats from the late 70s; no question.
Play loud.
