Reviews

As it happened, three former members of the Specials (Horace, Lynval and Roddy) got up on stage with The Brew, and began the rumour-mill running with talk of Two Tone reunions.

Tonight the whispers showed little sign of abating, but this time it was the Selecter’s turn. Special Brew, Cov’s latter-day rude boys took the stage, and it was all aboard the two-tone skardis to touchdown circa 1980. Enjoy Yourself, Sally Brown, Gangsters and a sensationally version of Apache, all excited, an already excited crowd.

Then it was time to stop the Chinese Whispers and introduce Neol Davies, Charley ‘Aitch’ Bembridge both former mark one Selecter veterans. The fully decked out rude boys at the front of the crowd, went suitably ballistic as Neol and Aitch rocked the house with The Selecter, pretty soon former Selecter vocalist Arthur 'Gaps' Hendrickson was on, and the trio, gave us Carry Go Bring Come, Murder, the superb Train to Skaville.

A very special night of music...

We all knew we were witnessing a little bit of history here tonight, the huge amount of photographers assembled at the front stage were a bit of a give-away to that.
Special Brew have a great ability to attract former Two Tone legends to their gigs, always more than happy to give the stage over to those who made their very musical existence possible. Not once, has there been a complaint from the guests that join them about any issues, especially musicianship ones.

No, the Brew, can always hold their own, even amongst the very best ska musicians. Those who still insist that they are but a tribute band, should bear that in mind, and take a look at the crowd they command at their gigs. They are a credit to our city, and their gigs are like no other, and take on the air of a fan convention, as you never know who you will see in the crowd.

I talked to Neol, Gaps and Aitch, just before they encored with Too Much Pressure. They were all relaxed and seemed to be loving the moment. Aitch’s lady came into the dressing room to inform the guys that there was a stage invasion. It was like 1979 again someone said, it was suggested that the crowd be moved off from the stage, but just like '79, the boys replied: “we don’t do that”. Nearly 30-years on and still they have respect for their audience, no wonder we still love them!