April 8, 2008 7:25

The Specials head into the studio

Band hint at reunion and future tour

Ska legends The Specials have announced plans to reform.

MC and vocalist Neville Staple has confirmed that the band have been rehearsing together and plans could be in the pipeleine for a UK tour later this year.

"A couple of months ago we [all] started talking," he said. "We had to talk first to see if we could get on, but we got past the talking stage. Then we said, 'Okay, let’s see what we're like in a room together rehearsing with instruments'."

Following early talks Staple said singer Terry Hall met up with the band and they held two rehearsals.

"We're just seeing how it goes," Staple told Music Week. "If it gels, it gels. If it doesn’t, you don't wanna go out there as some old geriatrics – not me. What we've got to do is make sure the music at least is right.

"So if it works, we'll do it. If not, well. I'm sorry lads and girls. But we're trying."

Hall and fellow bandmates Lynval Golding and Staple left to form Fun Boy Three after the band scored their second UK Number One single in 1981 with 'Ghost Town'.

The band carried on as the Special AKA, most notably scoring a hit in 1984 with 'Free Nelson Mandela'. Songwriter/keyboardist Jerry Dammers split the band shortly afterwards.