April 23, 2009 9:23

The Specials kick off reunion tour in Newcastle

Terry Hall and co bring out the hits to kick off jaunt

Photo Gallery: The Specials

The Specials began their reunion tour last night (April 22) at the Newcastle Academy, playing hits from throughout their career.

Terry Hall and the band kicked off their sold-out show with 'Do The Dog' from 1979's debut album 'Specials', then went on to play classics including 'A Message To You Rudy', 'Hey Little Rich Girl', 'Rat Race' and 1981 UK Number One single 'Ghost Town'.

The band, who were controversially missing original member and songwriter Jerry Dammers, encored with another Number One single, 1980's 'Too Much Too Young', 'Skinhead Moonstomp' and perennial closer 'Enjoy Yourself'.

The band are set to play at the Sheffield Academy then continue their jaunt in Birmingham, Glasgow, Manchester, their native Coventry and a five-night run at London's Brixton Academy.

The Specials are also confirmed for T In The Park and V festivals, and have strongly hinted they will be performing at Glastonbury.

The Specials played:

'Do The Dog'
'(Dawning Of A) New Era'
'Gangsters'
'It's Up To You'
'Rat Race'
'Monkey Man'
'Blank Expression'
'Too Hot'
'Doesn't Make It Alright'
'Concrete Jungle'
'Friday Night Saturday Morning'
'Stereotype'
'Man At C&A'
'A Message To You Rudy'
'Do Nothing'
'Hey Little Rich Girl'
'Nite Klub'
'You're Wondering Now'
'Ghost Town'
'Too Much Too Young'
'Skinhead Moonstomp'
'Enjoy Yourself'