March 30, 2010 10:18

The Specials play 2010 Shockwaves NME Awards NME Big Gig

Though Terry Hall nips off stage to pee during show in association with Teenage Cancer Trust

Photo Gallery: The Specials
Photo: Pa Photos

The Specials thrilled their audience at the Royal Albert Hall last night (March 29) at the Shockwaves NME Awards NME Big Gig, part of this year's Teenage Cancer Trust shows.

The performance by the band, who picked up Teenage Cancer Trust Outstanding Contribution To Music at the Shockwaves NME Awards played a career-spanning set, following a support slot from The King Blues.

Bassist Sir Horace Gentleman made his appearance on crutches after injuring his leg, while guitarist Lynval Golding frequently broke from the stage to play among those sitting by the sides of the stage.

Frontman Terry Hall displayed his characteristically droll sense of humour throughout, near the end joking: "I've got to be home in 15 minutes, BBC3 are showing a repeat of On The Buses."

After 'Little Bitch' he interrupted proceedings with the line: "I know this is neither the time or the place, but I really need to go for a piss." He then left the stage, before returning halfway into 'Nite Klub'. Previously, after 'Doesn't Make It Alright', he had excused another temporary exit, joking that he had "to go and put some more Shockwaves in my hair".

The setlist changed little from the band's reunion tour of 2009, with highlights from their first two albums, plus singles such as their two UK chart-toppers, 'Too Much Too Young' and 'Ghost Town'.

The Specials played:

'Do The Dog'
'(Dawning Of) A New Era'
'Gangsters'
'It's Up To You'
'Monkey Man'
'Rat Race'
'Hey, Little Rich Girl'
'Blank Expression'
'Doesn't Make It Alright'
'Stupid Marriage'
'Concrete Jungle'
'Judge Roughneck Part 2'
'Friday Night, Saturday Morning'
'Stereotype'
'Man At C&A'
'A Message To You Rudy'
'Little Bitch'
'Nite Klub'
'Too Much Too Young'
'You're Wondering Now'
'Ghost Town'
'Enjoy Yourself'

For more from the 2010 Shockwaves NME Awards go to NME.COM/awards, including more news, blogs and videos.

Video: The Specials Pick Their 10 Career Highlights - Part One

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