Still something special about The Specials
The Specials
Rivermead Leisure Centre Reading
Tuesday, September 21
EVERYBODY knows… The Specials, from their self titled first album in October 1979. I can still remember dancing to them at my primary school “Poz Disco”.
Here I am, 40 years, later watching the original rude boys at Rivermead Leisure Centre as part of their current tour that ends in London tonight (Saturday, September 25).
It’s an absolutely electric atmosphere for the loyal crowd in this almost capacity venue. People are back together after months of isolation, it’s a joy to behold.
Personally, I feel Rivermead can be a bit of a soulless venue, with over-priced beer that still managed to run out, huge queues, bad toilets and no real spirit, or very good acoustics.
When you are paying over £50 a ticket, they really should do better for the punters.
Luckily the band lifted the crowd still. Even after 40 years The Specials music is now more apt than ever, in 2021, at a time when the world is riven with social, racial and political unrest.
The Specials have made an upcoming new album of Protest Songs, once again reflecting the society we live in and taking a stand against all forms of injustice.
I did wonder if they would change the classic lyrics to their encore song to “this world, is coming like a ghost world”.
The Specials enjoyed a triumphant 2019 with the release of the critically acclaimed Encore, their first-ever number one album.
Coming 40 years after they exploded onto the music scene and launched the Two-Tone movement, The Specials make a very timely return with the release of their brand new album Protest Songs – 1924-2012. Released yesterday through their new label Island Records, the album features 12 singular takes on specially chosen protest songs across an almost 100-year span and shows The Specials still care, are still protesting and still pissed off.
Great to hear some of these played among the classics and a new album that’s straight on my hit list.
The support act was Pete Williams, an English singer, songwriter and musician.
Known for his work with Dexy’s Midnight Runners, The Bureau and These Tender Virtues, he was appreciated by the crowd who were supporting the support act.
He got the crowd going for the main event, with many nodding heads and songsters down the front.
He finished with the classic song Black, to riotous applause.
The Specials emerged in the late
1970s as the multiracial flagship of the 2 Tone movement, and sang of racism, unemployment and injustice making a very clear political statement every time they stepped on stage.
With Protest Songs, the band are once again reflecting the society we live in and taking a stand against all forms of injustice.
“People have been using music as a vehicle for protest since time immemorial,” says bass-player Horace Panter. “Injustice is timeless.”
A solid and tight performance tonight, very much enjoyed by their loyal fans supporting them.