The Specials
from WikiMusicGuide, the free music guide. Your music wiki.
The Specials are American New Wave band who rose to fame via their single, "Gangster".
Members
Jerry Dammers
Terry Hall
Neville Staple
Sir Horace Gentleman
Roddy Radiation
Lynval Golding
Former Members
John Bradbury
Contents |
About
The Specials was formed by "Jerry Dammers", "Lynval Golding", and "Horace Panter" in 1977 at Conventry. Their first name was called, "The Automatics". Then they changed it to "Coventry Automatics". After a year, "Terry Hall" and "Roddy Radiation" joins the group. They changed their name again to "he Special AKA The Coventry Automatics", and then to "The Special AKA". Jerry formed his own record label and name it 2 Tone Records in 1979. Under the said label, the band released their single, "Gangster" which became hit. It chartered at #6 on UK Singles Peak The single was included in their debut album, Specials. Before the released of the said album, their name was changed into, The Specials.
In 1980, their next album, More Specials was issued. Some of the members left the band to formed Fun Boy Three. Jerry
reverting back to the old name, Special A.K.A. He added "Stan Campbell" into the group to became their new vocalist. Their album, In The Studio was released in 1984 which spawned the hit singles, "Racist Friend" and "Free Nelson Mandella". After the released of the said album, Jerry decided to disband the group. Most of the members joined other bands like, English Beat. In the mid-90's the band was reformed and released the albums, Today's Specials in 1996, Guilty 'Til Proved Innocent! and Conquering Ruler in 2001. On 30 March 2008 Terry Hall stated that The Specials would be reforming for tour dates in Autumn 2008,
Chart Toppers
| Year | Title | U.K. singles peak | IRE singles peak | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Gangsters" (as The Special A.K.A | 6 | 27 | Specials |
News
Tours & Concerts
There are no current tour and concert schedules for The Specials.
Announcements
There are no announcements as of this time
Discography
Albums
Singles
| Date | Title | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Gangsters | 2 Tone |
| 1980 | Rat Race | 2 Tone |
| 1980 | Stereotype | 2 Tone |
| 1982 | Jungle Music | 2 Tone |
| 1982 | War Crimes | 2 Tone |
| 1984 | Nelson Mandela | 2 Tone |
| 1984 | What I Like Most About You Is Your Girlfriend | 2 Tone |
Compilations & Live Releases
Other artists
Similar artists
Contemporaries
Influences
Trivia
Reviews
External Links
- [hhttp://www.thespecials.com/ The Specials Official Website]
Categories: Artist | Ska | New Wave

