The Specials (sometimes called The Special AKA) are an English 2 Tone ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry, England. They have had hits in the United Kingdom, and their music is featured in film and television soundtracks.
The Specials - Brixton Academy
After seven consecutive UK Top 10 singles between 1979 and 1981, the band broke up. In 2008, it was announced that the band would reform and embark on a 30th anniversary tour in 2009... These are a couple of shots from that reunion.
Update: Via The Specials, terrible news. (Via Twitter)
”It is with great sadness that we announce the passing, following a brief illness, of Terry, our beautiful friend, brother and one of the most brilliant singers, songwriters and lyricists this country has ever produced”
RIP Terry Hall
Guess what?
The world ended yesterday
Today is just an action replay
And Hell is wherever Heaven is not
So here I stand, the well informed optimist
Who refuses to turn on, tune in, and drop out
I refuse to lose control
I refuse to let it wash all over me
I refuse to succumb to what your vision of happy should look like
Because it certainly doesn't look like you
And when the sign says stop, that's when I'll go
Like a clean, mean, medicated, fighting machine
Who's all dressed up and ready to disco
The emperor has got new clothes
Onward, Terry.