25 November 2009 (gig)
30 November 2009
The end of the Seventies was an exciting time. Music was evolving and the Inner city issues helped shape its form and content, England was in turmoil from Racism, unemployment and the worst, having Margaret Thatcher as Prime minister. The people needed a voice to mirror their sentiments and grievances and so came a band with something to say about their future. Never shy about relevant subjects of the day the specials were a voice for the people. An outlet for their problems.
The specials have reformed in a time where the social unrest has calmed but this is all about the past and nostalgia has bubbled to the surface.
I was a 2 tone maniac as a child and was intrigued and apprehensive to see if I could love The Specials again.
Turning up at Hammersmith I was shocked by how many people, predominantly white, were there to greet the legends that are The Specials. A mixture of 2tone, ex-skinheads, men and women, but all I am happy to say mostly older then me. Not a lot, but older.
I was immediately glad to see that The Specials have lost none of their passion and energy, Neville Staples still inexhaustibly getting the crowd worked up and just getting into the music, doing his signature forward space walk,
Terry Hall, understated as usual still stands proud singing in his mono-tonal dirge. "Fantastic!" It worked for me then, it works for me now.
The old really kick in the teeth for real Specials fans is the absence of Jerry Damners the real creator and driving force behind the 2Tone movement.
The Specials played most of their back catalogue. Well what else would they play, with songs like Gangsters, A Message To You Rudy, Nite Klub, Too Much Too Young, Rat Race, Do Nothing & Ghost Town. All played seamlessly with the only exception being Ghost Town which I personally thought lacked conviction.
I have noted that other people have slated the reformation of this band but to be honest, I had the time of my life, hearing some of the greatest music of the era live again.
So with Ghost Town being the only let down in the night, oh, and London transport I have no choice but two give these guys a heart felt 5 out 5. Brilliant!
