ENCORE HITS NO1
VERY unlikely chart-toppers The Specials say they are determined not to make fans wait so long for their next album.
They top the charts with their first album for nearly 40 years.
The ska survivors are No1 with Encore, their first album since More Specials in 1980.
And guitarist Lynval Golding told me they want to get some hip new names in if they make another record.
Lynval, 67, said: “I’d have had lots of special guests on this record, but I got voted down.
“I’d have had Damon Albarn, as he’s a wonderful, creative man.
“The other I’d have had is Stormzy.I love Stormzy, respect to him.”
Lynval, whose band had No1 singles Too Much Too Young and Ghost Town, said he feels connected to Stormzy – despite not having met the grime star. He enthused: “I love Stormzy’s politics, our spirit lives in people like him.
“Stormzy – please can I come and play on one of your songs?
“People have already told me: ‘Don’t keep us waiting 39 years for your next record’ and maybe next time Stormzy or Damon could come to our studio.”
Bassist Horace Panter, 65, said Encore’s success is crazy.
Before reuniting for a tour in 2009, Horace had become a primary school teacher in the band’s native Coventry.
Horace said: “When Lynval asked me if I wanted to join the band again, I thought: ‘Hmm, being shouted at by children or being a rock star? Easy!’
“We were all really proud of Encore, but the response has been an awful lot more positive than I ever expected.
“No1? That’s bonkers!”