Today's Music News

Specials reunion 'dammed'

Founding member not optimistic about reunion tour

25 Apr 2008 - We brought you news of The Specials reunion last month, well now founding member Jerry Dammers has said he isn't too keen on the whole idea.

Despite the positive reaction to a reunion from band mates Terry Hall and Neville Staples, on a tour in September/ October, Jerry is a little less optimistic:

"We've had one attempt at a trial rehearsal, which at no point was all seven people in the room at the same time.

It's very early days you know we're talking but there's nothing definite at the moment at all."

Music comes first

Jerry admits if the band can still deliver musically it might work, but that remains to be seen:

"The music comes first to me. As soon as you lose sight of that, you lose sight of everything.

People who put the money before music you are on a high road to nothing, a mad dash for cash I am not into at all.

We will have to see if the music can come together properly."

"There are a lot of people who think it would be a bad idea" - Jerry Dammers

Live up to expectations of fans

Jerry wasn't even moved when we told him about the massive positive reaction we had from 6 Music listeners when we announced a reunion tour was planned for later this year:

"There are some people who would love to see The Specials and there are a lot of people who think it would be a bad idea.

You can't tell from those kind of polls."

The keyboard player and founding member of the legendary ska outfit seemed worried about meeting the fans expectations:

"There are still people out there who would love to see the original Specials.

They have an idea in their heads about what the original Specials are.

If we can live up to that, then we should do it, if we can't, we shouldn’t."

Work to do

The band have had a chance to rehearse together once, Jerry told us the session had its moments, but he remains sceptical:

"Some elements were good, and some elements weren't so good.

There is a helluva lot of work to do. If people are willing to do the work then we can move forward, if they are not willing to do the work then we can't.

So I don't know."

Ruth Barnes

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Comments so far

Pete Cardiff.
I think the specials should tour they were great at bestival. I would love to see all 7 togeather but if 6 are willing to do it then good luck to them. We have wated a long time for this to happen.

lisa edinburgh.
I always thought the anniversary was next year anyway in 2009, i would'nt pay to see terry hall and friends it has to be with jerry. Heres to a special 2009.

linton brixton
Hurray for a voice of reason!! No Jerry Dammers No Specials. Dont forget The Specials continued when everyone went off to be pop stars and released the classic Free Nelson Mandela helping raise the awareness of his plight and helped contribute to his freedom - no small feat.The Specials were'nt just a band - they were a social project as well - and they meant something to a lot of people, they still do. Jerry Dammers was known as THE GENERAL -time for the troops to get in line and get practising. Nothing is impossible!

vic. newport south wales
me again !! if the specials reunion doesnt go ahead bcoz 1 member is sceptical then that wud be davastatin news 2 us fans who have waited 27 years for this . if dammers cant bury the hatchet then thats his prob ,if the other 6 are willin then go on and do it without him,there are a lot of other good keyboard players out there.please dont let life long fans like myself down please boys ,u can do .lookin forward 2 the gigs later this years. good luck 2 the 6 remainin members.dammers get your finger out of your bum an do the studio sessions an gigs please,an stop bloody moanin .past rows are past rows ,your grown men now.the very best of luck lads look 4ward 2 seein u at the end of the year. vic

Don, dagenham
The Specials were a short lived and very under rated band. As a 13 year old skinhead/rude boy in 1981...seeing them perform live during their last tour was the best experience that I have ever had at a concert. I would hate to see them get together again if they cannot deliver the same magic as they did back then. The Specials were not just a band they were part of of an era, a movement, a fashion and this was reflected in their lyrics etc. The band's short lived career was what made them unique and 'special'!!

Sonny Drake, Northampton
I really hope that the reunion does go ahead - i've seen nev staples but it would be awesome to see the entire bandthe specials are legendary