The Specials 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 group was formed by songwriter/keyboardist
Jerry Dammers, with
Terry Hall,
Lynval Golding, Silverton Hutchinson and a rhythm section. The band wore
mod-style "1960s period
rude boy outfits."
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.
In 2008, it was announced that the band would reform and embark on a 30th anniversary tour in 2009.
In 2010, they toured America and Europe.
In 2011, they are again touring the UK with a new 2011 Tour.