The Specials
(1977-present)

group and band

Aged 47

The Specials, also known as The Special AKA, are an English 2 tone and ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry. After some early changes, the first stable lineup of the group consisted of Terry Hall and Neville Staple on vocals, Lynval Golding and Roddy Radiation on guitars, Horace Panter on bass, Jerry Dammers on keyboards, John Bradbury on drums, and Dick Cuthell and Rico Rodriguez on horn. Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude". Lyrically, they present a "more focused and informed political and social stance". The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits and loafers)". In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Live! EP, reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. In 1981, the recession-themed single "Ghost Town" also hit No. 1 in the UK. After seven consecutive UK top 10 singles between 1979 and 1981, main lead vocalists Hall and Staple, along with guitarist Golding, left to form Fun Boy Three. Continuing as "The Special AKA" (a name they used frequently on earlier Specials releases), a substantially revised Specials line-up issued new material until 1984, including the top 10 UK hit single "Free Nelson Mandela". After this, founder and songwriter Jerry Dammers dissolved the band and pursued political activism. The group re-formed in 1993, and have continued to perform and record with varying line-ups, none of them involving Dammers.

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Commemorated on 8 plaques

360 Libre on Flickr All Rights Reserved

51 Albany Road The birthplace of 2-Tone The ska phenomenon was created here by Jerry Dammers, The Specials and The Selecter It also served as the HQ for the iconic 2-Tone Record label

51 Albany Rd, Coventry, United Kingdom where it created the ska phenomenon

Horizon Studios The renowned Horizon Studio complex stood across the road from here. It was there that The Specials and The Selecter recorded much of their classic work during 1979/1980

Horizon Studios site on Rocket Pub, Warwick Road, Coventry, United Kingdom where it recorded

Site of Tiffany's Nightclub. 2-Tone bands The Specials, The Selecter, The Beat, Madness, The Swinging Cats and The Bodysnatchers all played at this once popular venue

Tiffany's Nightclub (Central Library), Coventry, United Kingdom where it played

Mr George Nightclub was located on this site. The Specials played a four month residency here as The Automatics

Lower Precinct, Coventry, United Kingdom where it played

The Heath Hotel. In October 1977 history was made when The Specials played their very first gig here as The Automatics

807 Foleshill Road (ex Heath Hotel), Coventry, United Kingdom where it played

Hand and Heart. In the late 70's, early 80's this public house was a major venue for the emerging Coventry music scene and played host to a plethora of artists including The Specials

The Hand and Heart, Coventry, United Kingdom where it played

Woodbine Street Recording Studio 1977-1981 This house is the original location of the recording studio founded by producer John Rivers. 'Ghost Town' by The Specials was recorded here in 1981

Eaton Cottage, 27 Woodbine Street, Royal Leamington Spa, United Kingdom where it recorded (1981)

Near this site stood The Rocket pub used by many artists who recorded at Horizon Studios that stood across the road from here Including: The Specials & The Selecter

Coventry Station, Warwick Road, Coventry, United Kingdom where it recorded