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NME.com feature on The Specials including news, reviews, biography, youtube video, audio, concerts, tour dates, photos, pictures, commentary, album reviews and live reviews and cool facts.

The Specials News

The Specials announce May 2013 UK tour – ticket details

The ska band will play 10 shows including one night at London's O2 Brixton Academy

  • Dec 3, 2012

The Specials go back on their plans to split up

Band say they'll continue playing together and have no plans to part ways

  • Nov 4, 2011

The Specials announce London O2 Academy Brixton gig – ticket details

Band expand 2011 UK tour with new October gig

  • May 17, 2011

The Specials announce 2011 European tour and ticket details

Ska legends playing UK arenas next year

  • Nov 22, 2010

The Specials to headline Ibiza Rocks closing party - ticket details

The band cap off a summer run of gigs in San Antonio

  • Aug 26, 2010

More The Specials News

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The Specials Biography

The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA ) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. Their music combines 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 band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits (pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits, and loafers)." In 1980, 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" also hit number one in the UK Singles Chart. After seven consecutive UK Top 10 singles between 1979 and 1981, the band broke up. Their 1984 song "Nelson Mandela" was a No. 9 UK hit. It contributed to making Mandela a cause celebre in the United Kingdom, and became popular with anti-Apartheid activists.

Afterwards, founder and songwriter Jerry Dammers dissolved the band and pursued political activism.

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