

Strickland was replaced by Terry Hall shortly after the band's formation. The group was formed in 1977 by songwriter/keyboardist Dammers, vocalist Tim Strickland, guitarist/vocalist Lynval Golding, drummer Silverton Hutchinson and bassist Horace Panter (a.k.a. 3.2.6 Change of direction for the band and No.1 albumĬareer Founding and early years (1977–78).3.2.4 Roddy Radiation leaves The Specials.3.2.3 Neville Staple leaves The Specials.3.2 The Specials reunion (2008-present).

#Encore spa specials free#
Continuing as "The Special AKA" (a name they used frequently on earlier Specials releases), a substantially revised Specials line-up issued new material until 1984, including the top 10 UK hit single " Free Nelson Mandela". Īfter seven consecutive UK top 10 singles between 19, main lead vocalists Hall and Staple, along with guitarist Golding, left to form Fun Boy Three. In 1981, the recession-themed single " Ghost Town" also hit No. In 1980, the song "Too Much Too Young", the lead track on their The Special AKA Live! EP, reached No. The band wore mod-style "1960s period rude boy outfits ( pork pie hats, tonic and mohair suits and loafers)". Lyrically, they present a "more focused and informed political and social stance". Their music combines a "danceable ska and rocksteady beat with punk's energy and attitude". After some early changes, the first stable lineup of the group consisted of Terry Hall and Neville Staple on vocals, Lynval Golding and Roddy Radiation on guitars, Horace Panter on bass, Jerry Dammers on keyboards, John Bradbury on drums, and Dick Cuthell and Rico Rodriguez on horn. The Specials, also known as The Special AKA, are an English 2 tone and ska revival band formed in 1977 in Coventry.
