FACTS
| Gangsters. The lyrics
Bernie Rhodes knows Don't Argue
Why must you record my phone calls?
Are you planning a bootleg LP?
Said you've been threatened by gangsters
Now it's you, that's threatening me
Can't fight corruption with con tricks
They use the law to commit crime
And I dread, dread to think what the future will bring
When we're living in gangster time
Don't call me scar face
Can't interrupt while I'm talking
Or they'll confiscate all your guitars
and catch 22 says if I sing the truth
they won't make me an overnight star
Don't offer us legal protection
They use the law to commit crime
I dread to think what the future will bring
When we're living in gangster time
Bernie Rhodes knows Don't Argue
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 |  | Neville Staple shot to fame with The Specials - one of the greatest band of the ska revival and the Two Tone movement of the late 70s and early eighties.
Here, the popular Coventry musician, who went on to form Fun Boy Three with Specials colleagues Terry Hall and Lynval Golding, looks back at his career so far and casts an eye into the future.
He's currently on his UK tour and playing at the General Wolfe in September. Read our interview and more about the tour.
Neville Staple, interviewed by Amy Elias
Amy: So Neville, it was ten years ago when you were the lead singer with The Specials and you were in Fun Boy Three and then later formed Special Beat.
What are your best memories of The Specials and the other bands?
| |  | Legendary punk band -The Clash
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Nev: I tell you what Luv; it's been more like 25 years ago, when I first started!
My best memories are the crowds and their enthusiasm. We were touring and on the road constantly.
We travelled to all sorts of places and to countries I would never had gone to on my own. I just remember the excitement of it all.
It was brilliant working with Ranking Roger in Special Beat. I got on great with him on the road. I would really love to work with him again, even if it's just writing and recording. We just never seem to be on the same continent at the same time these days.
Amy: When you were in The Specials what was it like touring with The Clash?
Nev: The Clash IS my all time favorite band! You hear me say that in all my interviews, it's true.
The Clash performed with so much energy! Unlike any band I've seen then or now. I used to watch them every night when we supported them and I can't say that about any other band (except for The Specials) that I worked with past or present in all my years of touring.
Amy: What other musicians have you worked with?
Nev: That's a long list Luv! Wow, I've worked with The Eurhythmics, Soup Dragons, Pauline Black, Bananarama, Elvis Costello, Don Letts, Penny Baker, Sting, Steel Pulse, Ranking Roger, David Byrne, Ali Campbell, Lee (with Slade), Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Dave Wakeling,
Unwritten Law, Rancid, Stoker, Kid Rock, Pennywise, John Avila (Oingo, Boingo) Jane Wieldlin (The Go-Go's) Publico Desdoren (Venezuela), The Rollers (Japan). Oh God Man! I'm having trouble remembering them all.
I've worked with loads more musicians, I've been very lucky.
Although I never worked with him, the most famous musician I ever met was Paul McCartney. I was so impressed because he was the most down-to-earth and humble person.
Meeting him was like being in your sitting room with an old friend, not like the inflated egos of some 'stars'.
| |  | Neville in his studio
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Amy: In a nutshell, what have you been doing since those 80s days? Are you still touring and recording solo as Neville Staple?
Nev: Since the 80s, The Specials, Fun Boy 3, Special Beat. I am still touring, writing and recording on my own with my own band as Neville Staple.
I get really annoyed when I show up at a gig and the promoters have the show billed as The Specials.
That's happened a few times and I'm the one up on stage explaining to the fans that it's not The Specials, it's me!
Amy: You're now living in California and have your own recording studio. Do you like the American way of life? How different or similar it is to Coventry?
Nev: I love it in America, you can't beat the weather in Southern California, it's beautiful. Plus there are so many more opportunities for me here. I'm able to perform all sorts of gigs and work on so many more projects than I ever could in Coventry.
Don't get me wrong I really do love England. It's just that my passion is performing live. And you know what it's like in England's music scene, once you are no longer the flavor of the month, they don't want anything to do with you.
And you must admit Luv, I certainly don't fit the boy band thing that's happening these days, especially with three grandkids, right?
Amy: Do you still visit Coventry and do you miss anything about the city?
Nev: I visit Coventry often. Most of my kids and all of my grandkids live in Cov and Birmingham. My two oldest kids are in California and that's
what I miss the most, my family.
Amy: What new material are you working on now? What can you tell people about your latest project?
Nev: I've put out my own preview album, under my company 525 Music Productions. It's all new and original material. I am looking for a record label to pick it up, even a small Indie label to get it out.
My close friends that have heard the new stuff are a bit surprised, cause it's got a real rock feel to it. It's not the "third wave ska" (whatever that means!).
I am also working in my studio with a mate of mine, Chris Murray. He's from Canada and is also living in LA now. He is a very good songwriter!
We are working on some original old skool Reggae tracks.
Amy: What do you think about tribute bands like the 2-Tone Collective who still perform live in Coventry? Do you think that they do the music justice?
Nev: Yeah, they keep the music going! I did play with the 2-Tone Collective in Cov on New Year's 2000. There are still fans out there that really want to hear the old songs. I play some of the old stuff in my set as well. It's always an honour when people perform your music live.
Amy: Would you ever get back with the original band members for some Specials gigs?
Nev: Sure I would. Everyone is older and wiser now. I think we could put on a brilliant show.
Amy: So your fans can expect to see a reunion soon then?!
Have you got any messages for your avid Coventry fans (and the rest around the world)?
Nev: I enjoy staying in touch with my fans (I do read all of my own emails personally). Without the fans, The Specials wouldn't have been so successful.
I'm dying to do some gigs in England. At some of my gigs in America I see moms and dads bringing their kids. It's great! I mean I'm talking eight and nine year old kids that know all of The Specials songs.
It would be fantastic to either perform with the original Specials line-up or with my own band in Coventry.
Amy: Thanks for your time. We look forward to hearing your new material and wish you all the best for the future.
Updated July 2003
Neville is currently on a massive 90 date world tour in support of his new solo debut, Special Skank Au Go Go.
The UK stretch began with an appearance at the Birmingham Academy on Wednesday 2 July. He will be playing back in his home town Coventry on Friday 5 September at The General Wolfe.
For more information and tickets contact The General Wolfe direct.
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