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The Specials

From Alfawiki
The Specials
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1977 in Coventry, England
FounderJerry Dammers, Tim Strickland, Lynval Golding, Silverton Hutchinson, Horace Panter
Headquarters
Coventry
,
England
ProductsMusic albums, singles

The Specials, occasionally referred to as the Special AKA, are a British band associated with the 2 tone and ska revival scenes, originating in Coventry in 1977. After initial changes in membership, the core ensemble featured vocalists Terry Hall and Neville Staple, keyboardist Jerry Dammers, guitarists Lynval Golding and Roddy Radiation, bassist Horace Panter, drummer John Bradbury, along with horn players Dick Cuthell and Rico Rodriguez.

Formation and initial phase (1977–1978)

The band was established in 1977 by songwriter and keyboard player Jerry Dammers, vocalist Tim Strickland, guitarist and singer Lynval Golding, drummer Silverton Hutchinson, and bassist Horace Panter (also known as Sir Horace Gentleman). Shortly thereafter, Tim Strickland was replaced by Terry Hall on vocals. Originally named the Automatics and then the Coventry Automatics, Roddy Byers (known as Roddy Radiation) joined as guitarist in March 1978 prior to recording demos.

Due to another group called the Automatics signing with Island Records, this lineup adopted the name Special A.K.A. The Automatics. This was eventually abbreviated to the Special AKA, which later became simply the Specials—the title under which they gained most recognition.

Joe Strummer of the Clash invited the Special AKA to support his "On Parole" UK tour, boosting their national profile and briefly sharing management. During this tour, roadie Neville Staple became an official member when his rendition of "Monkey Man" by Toots & the Maytals was incorporated into their performances.

Established alongside Rock Against Racism in 1978, anti-racism formed a core part of the Specials’ ethos aimed at uniting black and white audiences. Jerry Dammers later observed that musical innovation often carries political weight, citing punk and ska as genres that enabled bands like the Specials and the Clash to address political issues.

Rise of the Specials (1979–1981)

In 1979, following drummer Silverton Hutchinson’s departure and replacement by John Bradbury, Dammers launched the 2 Tone Records label and issued their debut single "Gangsters," a reinterpretation of Prince Buster’s "Al Capone." The B-side featured "The Selecter" by The Selecter. Initially self-released, Rough Trade subsequently distributed it through their independent channels. John Peel championed the track on BBC Radio One in May 1979; it reached the Top 10 that summer.

After "Gangsters," major record companies expressed interest in signing the Specials. The band’s objective extended beyond securing a contract; they intended for 2 Tone to function as an independent imprint releasing singles from unsigned artists without binding agreements. Chrysalis Records agreed to support this model by providing major-label resources while allowing 2 Tone to maintain autonomy.

Adopting a style inspired by mod, rude boy, and skinhead fashions of the late 1960s—characterized by two-tone suits—the band recorded their self-titled debut album in 1979 with Elvis Costello producing. Horn musicians Dick Cuthell and Rico Rodriguez contributed but were only officially incorporated into the lineup on the subsequent album.

The album opened with a cover of Dandy Livingstone’s "Rudy, A Message to You," retitled "A Message to You, Rudy," alongside reinterpretations of tracks originally by Prince Buster and Toots & the Maytals. In 1980, the EP Too Much Too Young, mainly credited to Special A.K.A., reached No. 1 in the UK despite controversy surrounding its lyrics about teenage pregnancy and contraception.

Returning to using the Specials name, their second album More Specials saw diminished commercial success amid internal tensions. Both records featured female backing vocalists such as Chrissie Hynde, Rhoda Dakar from The Bodysnatchers, Belinda Carlisle, Jane Wiedlin, and Charlotte Caffey of the Go-Go's.

In early 1981, after pausing recording and touring activities, they released "Ghost Town," a No. 1 single not included on any album. However, during their performance of this track on Top of the Pops, Neville Staple, Terry Hall, and Lynval Golding announced their exit from the band. Golding later commented on profound internal divisions that precipitated their breakup. The departing trio subsequently formed Fun Boy Three.

Band dissolution and transformation into the Special AKA (1982–1984)

Throughout this era, the band underwent numerous personnel shifts. With Dakar becoming a permanent member, they recorded the song "The Boiler", released under the name "Rhoda with the Special AKA". Due to its stark portrayal of date rape, the track faced limited radio exposure but still climbed to number 35 on the UK charts and was later hailed by Dave Marsh as a premier "rock and soul" single.

While touring alongside Rodriguez, the ensemble—now billed as "Rico and the Special AKA"—issued the single "Jungle Music", which did not chart. This version featured a revamped lineup including Rodriguez and additional newcomers. Shortly after, Rodriguez and some others were removed for the release of "War Crimes", which saw Dakar return alongside fresh vocalists Egidio Newton and Stan Campbell, plus violinist Nick Parker. Their subsequent single "Racist Friend" reached number 60 in the UK, solidifying the group as a seven-member band.

In 1984, the Special AKA presented their album In the Studio, officially recorded by a six-piece: Dakar, Campbell, Bradbury, Dammers, Shipley, and new bassist Gary McManus. Contributions came from Cuthell, Newton, Panter, Radiation, saxophonist Nigel Reeve, and vocalists Claudia Fontaine and Caron Wheeler of Afrodiziak. Although it did not achieve the commercial or critical acclaim of earlier projects, its single "Free Nelson Mandela" reached number 9 in the UK charts and significantly advanced anti-apartheid efforts. Following this success, Dammers disbanded the group to dedicate himself fully to political activism.

Subsequent developments

Following the breakup of the original lineup, former members embarked on various ventures but never fully reassembled.

Golding, Hall, and Staple formed Fun Boy Three between 1981 and 1983, enjoying chart success with singles such as "Tunnel of Love" and "Our Lips Are Sealed". The group dissolved after Hall's exit triggered a prolonged estrangement with Staple.

Later on, Staple and Golding collaborated with Pauline Black from the Selecter in Sunday Best, releasing "Pirates on the Airwaves". In 1990, Bradbury, Golding, Panter, and Staple joined forces with members of the Beat to create Special Beat, touring extensively throughout that decade.

A 1994 release by "X Specials" featured prominent members covering Slade's "Coz I Luv You", produced by Jim Lea. Staple also carved out a career in production and management—discovering bhangra fusion artist Johnny Zee and engaging in numerous collaborations while leading his own bands and launching Rude Wear apparel. He performed with various Specials lineups during the 1990s and again between 2009 and 2012.

Panter became part of General Public before returning to Special Beat; he later trained as a primary school teacher. He participated in blues projects prior to rejoining the Specials for their 2009 reunion until their disbandment in 2022.

Golding briefly partnered with Dammers as DJs before fronting Seattle-based ska outfits Stiff Upper Lip and Pama International. After departing from the Specials' 1990s lineup in 2000, he rejoined in 2009 until 2022.

Radiation led multiple bands including the Tearjerkers and Skabilly Rebels and collaborated widely across genres. He took part in Specials lineups during both the 1990s and from 2009 to 2014.

Bradbury remained active through Special AKA into production roles; he joined Special Beat and a reformed Selecter before retiring into IT work. He returned for the Specials' 2009 reunion until his passing in 2015.

Hall led the Colourfield from 1984 to 1987 with moderate success before embarking on a solo new wave career and co-writing early material for Lightning Seeds. In the early 1990s, he formed Vegas alongside David A. Stewart. Hall rejoined the Specials for their 2009 reunion until his death in 2022.

In 2006, Dammers established the Spatial AKA Orchestra, a large jazz-influenced ensemble.

The Specials Mk.2 (1993–1998)

The first reunion under the Specials banner took place in 1993 when producer Roger Lomas, working with Trojan Records, assembled several members to support ska icon Desmond Dekker on a new recording. Four original Specials—Roddy Radiation, Neville Staple, Lynval Golding, and Horace Panter—participated, alongside Aitch Bembridge, formerly the Selecter's drummer. Additional studio musicians, including keyboardist Mark Adams, completed the ensemble. The album, titled King of Kings, was released under the name Desmond Dekker and the Specials.

The album's launch sparked interest that led to an invitation for a tour in Japan. Reuniting with Golding, Bembridge, and Adams, and supplemented by horn players Adam Birch and Jonathan Read, the group rehearsed and performed live shows. Initially adopting names such as the Coventry Specials and Specials2, they eventually resumed using the Specials moniker for its promotional familiarity, though internally they referred to themselves as Specials MkII. This formation toured internationally and produced two studio albums: Today's Specials (1996), primarily consisting of reggae and ska covers, and Guilty 'til Proved Innocent! (1998), which showcased original compositions. Their extensive touring included headlining the Vans Warped Tour and earning favorable reviews for their live performances.

Despite their achievements, the group disbanded following a 1998 tour in Japan (which Panter missed due to illness), with only sporadic touring continuing until 2000. The recordings from the earlier Trojan sessions—Skinhead Girl (2000) and Conquering Ruler (2001)—represented their final releases for a time.

After a similar collaboration with the Selecter in 1999, Lomas brought the band back together to record classic Trojan tunes. Shortly before these sessions began, Golding departed to dedicate time to his family in Seattle, leading to the addition of Selecter veteran Neol Davies. Davies joined Staple, Radiation, Panter, and session musicians in producing material released by Trojan’s sub-label Receiver Records as Skinhead Girl (2000) and Conquering Ruler (2001).

Terry Hall & Friends

In 2007, Hall reunited with Golding after a 24-year hiatus to perform Specials tracks at various festivals. At Glastonbury Festival, they appeared on the Pyramid Stage alongside Lily Allen, delivering a rendition of "Gangsters". In May 2009, Golding acknowledged Allen’s significant influence on the group’s eventual reformation. Later that same day, they performed "A Message to You, Rudy" on the Park Stage with Damon Albarn and beatboxer Shlomo. During GuilFest, Golding also joined the Dub Pistols for a performance of "Gangsters". Throughout 2007, Golding contributed both live performances and recordings with Pama International, a collective featuring members from Special Beat.

On 30 March 2008, Hall announced that the Specials would reunite for an autumn tour along with potential new recordings; this was officially confirmed on 7 April 2008. On 6 September 2008, six band members appeared as a "Surprise Act" at Bestival. By December of that year, plans were announced for a 2009 tour commemorating their 30th anniversary; however, founding member Dammers did not participate in these dates.

Hall remarked that "The door remains open to him," yet Dammers characterized the reunion as a "takeover" and asserted he had been excluded. Around this period, longtime admirer Amy Winehouse joined Dammers onstage at Hyde Park during Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebration concert to perform "Free Nelson Mandela," supporting Mandela’s AIDS charity 46664.

30th Anniversary Tour and Subsequent Activities

On 10 April 2009, the Specials made an appearance on Later... with Jools Holland broadcast on BBC Two. By May, Bradbury and Golding had shared intentions to produce fresh original material under the Specials name. A follow-up leg of their 30th anniversary tour was announced on 8 June 2009 to reach additional cities and venues previously unvisited. Throughout July and August of that year, the group toured in Australia and Japan. In October, they were honored with the Inspiration Award at the Q Awards. The following year, in 2010, they performed at the Dutch festival Lowlands.

Hall confirmed in November 2010 that more Specials concerts were planned for autumn 2011, describing these performances as a tribute to their enduring influence. Later that year, the band reissued "A Message to You, Rudy" as a Haiti Special Fund single on iTunes in both the UK and US markets, with all proceeds directed to support UNICEF’s relief efforts following the earthquake in Haiti.

In February 2012, it was announced that the Specials would perform at Hyde Park alongside Blur and New Order as part of the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony. Panter expressed enthusiasm about participating in such a prestigious event, suggesting it would likely be their sole UK appearance that year. The Specials' performance continued to symbolize the political and social tensions prevalent in Britain during the late 1970s and early 1980s.

In August 2012, the band released More... Or Less. – The Specials Live, a double CD and double vinyl LP featuring selected highlights from their 2011 European tour, personally compiled by the group.

Neville Staple and Roddy Radiation's Exits

In January 2013, Neville Staple announced his departure from the Specials due to health complications that hindered his ability to participate in upcoming UK tours and projects. Staple had played a vital role since the band's reformation in 2009.

That same year, the Specials completed a sold-out North American tour with performances in major cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Portland, and Vancouver.

Roddy Radiation left the band in February 2014. Nevertheless, the Specials embarked on an extensive autumn tour later that year with Steve Cradock (known for Ocean Colour Scene and Paul Weller) stepping in as lead guitarist.

Passing of John Bradbury

Drummer John Bradbury died on 28 December 2015 at age 62. In March 2016, The Specials announced Gary Powell of The Libertines as their touring drummer. Powell was eventually succeeded by Kenrick Rowe (associated with PJ Harvey and Jazz Jamaica) for recording the Encore album and its supporting tour.

Encore Album and Protest Songs 1924–2012

In 2017, The Specials invited Birmingham native Saffiyah Khan—who had gained viral recognition wearing a Specials t-shirt during a counter-protest—to perform on stage with them. Within two years, she recorded a track with the band and toured North America alongside them.

On 29 October 2018, The Specials revealed plans for a UK tour in 2019 coinciding with the release of their new album Encore. Released on 1 February 2019 through Island Records, Encore debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart, marking their first chart-topping release since 1980. During this period, artist and photographer Sterling Chandler joined their touring ensemble.

In March 2021, The Specials announced another UK tour. On 7 July 2021, Horace Panter unveiled details of a new twelve-track album titled Protest Songs 1924–2012, which was released on 23 August 2021. Vocalist Hannah Hu joined for the tour that year and contributed vocals to this album.

Passing of Terry Hall

On 19 December 2022, the Specials revealed that Terry Hall had passed away at the age of 63 following a short illness, later disclosed to be pancreatic cancer. Prior to his health deterioration, the band had intended to produce a new album in the United States.

Bassist Horace Panter confirmed in a 2023 interview that the group disbanded after Hall's death, explaining, "Touring without Terry would be absurd, so yes, that truly marks the end of the Specials."

In December 2024, Sky Arts broadcasted The Specials: Live From Coventry Cathedral, showcasing the band's final recorded concert before Hall’s demise. This production was directed by Hall’s spouse, Lindy Heymann.

Original line-up

  • Terry Hall – lead vocals (1977–1981, 2008–2022; until his passing)
  • Lynval Golding – rhythm and lead guitar, vocals (1977–1981, 1993, 1994–1998, 2008–2022)
  • Horace Panter – bass guitar (1977–1981, 1982, 1993, 1994–1998, 2000–2001, 2008–2022)
  • Jerry Dammers – keyboards, chief songwriter, vocals (1977–1984)
  • Roddy Radiation – lead guitar, vocals (1978–1981, 1993, 1996–2001, 2008–2014)
  • Neville Staple – toasting, vocals, percussion (1978–1981, 1993, 1996–2001, 2008–2012)
  • John Bradbury – drums (1979–1984, 2008–2015; until his death)
  • Dick Cuthell – flugelhorn, trumpet (1979–1984)
  • Rico Rodriguez – trombone, vocals (1979–1981, 1982; died 2015)

Under The Specials

As The Special A.K.A.

Further reading

  • Chambers, Pete (2008) 2-Tone-2: Dispatches from the Two Tone City, 30 Years on, Tencton Planet Publications.
  • Panter, Horace (2007) Ska'd for Life – A Personal Journey with the "Specials", Sidgwick & Jackson
  • Staple, Neville (2009) Original Rude Boy, Aurum Press.
  • Thompson, Dave (2011) Wheels Out of Gear: 2-Tone, the Specials and a World In Flame, Soundcheck Books.
  • Williams, Paul (1995) You're Wondering Now – A History of the Specials, ST Publishing.
  • Williams, Paul (2009) You're Wondering Now-The Specials From Conception to Reunion, Cherry Red Books.

External links

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