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"Bernie Rhodes knows...don't argue"!
It's
the classic opening to The Specials' 1979 gem 'Gangsters', a record
I still spin in clubs when I DJ and boy, does it get any joint jumpin'.
The
thought was prompted by an excellent doc on TV the other week entitled
'Two Tone Britain', which told the story and traced the influence
of the record label formed by Jerry Dammers and his partners-in-rhyme
back in the late 70s.
The
Specials were truly an OUTSTANDING band. An outfit whose time (with
the original line-up) was relatively brief, but oh, did they shine
so very, very bright.
| "In
west Kensington they
were supported by a young band from Camden called Madness, while
in Fulham a certain Mick Jagger famously came to check 'em out..." |
After
first hearing 'Gangsters' on Peelie's radio programme and being
distinctly impressed by its punky, ska-filled energy, I couldn't
wait to see them play live. Thankfully, I only had to wait a few
weeks.
My
introduction to them in performance was at the old Moonlight Club
in West Hampstead. If I remember correctly, a certain lady got voted
into power in Downing Street that night, but even that didn't dampen
our enjoyment.
larger-than-life
For
here was a band with more energy than the National Grid, effectively
mixing a stew of influences with lyrics that reflected the social
issues of the day. A band who, quite simply, made you think AND
dance as well.
 I
caught them countless times over the following months: at the west
Kensington Nashville (where they were supported by seven young nutty
boys from Camden called Madness); the old Fulham Greyhound (where
Mick Jagger famously came to check 'em out); and at the Lyceum on
the ensuing 2 Tone Tours.
I
really can't remember ever seeing a dud gig. They were so exciting
to watch, a bunch of larger-than-life characters constantly leaping
around, followed by a large chunk of the audience who usually joined
them on stage for a climactic finale!
Their legacy is one that is still very much felt today, with No
Doubt in the US, the Streets and the Ordinary Boys (who do a crackin'
version of the first song Jerry Dammers ever wrote, 'Little Bitch').
Let's
hope it's not too long before the 2 Tone 1981 movie Dance Craze,
which featured all the main protagonists associated with the label
doing what they did best, playing LIVE, is released on DVD. Are
you listening EMI?!
more
on the specials
2
tone & the specials book review>>
useful
links
terry hall & mushtaq
suggs audio interview
the clash audio interview
the specials
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BBC cannot be held responsible for the content of external websites)
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my
interview vault 
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