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The Specials

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Group.

Ska band

Photo of The Specials Weather Report

Biography

The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combined a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude", and had a "more focused and informed political and social stance" than other ska groups. The group was formed by songwriter/keyboardist Jerry Dammers, with Terry Hall (vocals), Lynval Golding (guitar, vocals) and a rhythm section. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude-boy outfits (porkpie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1979, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Live! EP, reached number one in the UK. In 1981, the unemployment-themed single "Ghost Town" single also hit number one in the UK Singles Chart. Their music is featured in film and television soundtracks. After seven consecutive UK Top 10 singles between 1979 and 1981, the band broke up. In 2008, it was announced that the band would reform and embark on a 30th anniversary tour in 2009.

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Latest News Stories Really Simple Syndication

News from the BBC

  1. Rude boys return

    Thu 23 Apr 2009 10:29

    Ska legends The Specials are back, and still relevant

  2. Re-formed Specials return to BBC

    Wed 8 Apr 2009 18:52

    Ska legends The Specials perform on BBC Two's Later... with Jools Holland and drop a...

  3. Re-formed Specials start on album

    Sun 18 Jan 2009 14:28

    Coventry band The Specials are about to get to grips with their second album ahead of...

Latest Blog Posts Really Simple Syndication

Blogs from the BBC

  1. Review of the week

    Fri 27 Nov 2009 12:39 Breaking news...following Paul Scharner's outrageous handball in the build-up to his... Chris Charles

  2. Glastonbury: Best of the Rest

    Sat 27 Jun 2009 18:12 With at least 23 official stages running more than 12 hours a day between them and... Matthew Shorter

BBC Reviews Really Simple Syndication

  1. More Specials 1980

    More Specials

    Reviewed by Nick Reynolds

    More Specials has lots of quality, and is almost a classic.

  2. The Specials 1979

    Specials

    Reviewed by Chris Jones

    A wrily comical antidote to political and cultural indifference anywhere.

Now on the BBC

  1. The Specials - At T In The Park

    2 Tone Veterans The Specials take to the Main Stage at this year's T In The Park

    The Specials - At T In The Park

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Latest Tracks Played on the BBC

  1. Stereotype
    BBC 6 Music | Shaun Keaveny 02/12/2009
     
  2. Gangsters
    BBC Radio 2 | Zoe Ball 14/11/2009
     
  3. Too Much Too Young
    BBC Radio 1 | The Chris Moyles Show Friday
     
  4. Ghost Town
    BBC 6 Music | Steve Lamacq 11/11/2009
     

Audio Previews from Latest Album

More Specials

More Specials

  1. 10 International Jet Set
     

Played By

Since December 2008

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Played On

Since December 2008

  1. BBC 6 Music 100%

  2. BBC Radio 2 30%

  3. BBC Radio 1 9%

  4. BBC Radio Ulster 5%

  5. BBC Two 3%

  6. BBC Radio Scotland 3%

  7. BBC 1Xtra 2%

  8. BBC Four 2%

Information displayed about artists played on BBC radio networks is incomplete at present. Find out more about this artist play count information.

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