The Specials – Cathedral Ruins 2019

The Specials – Cathedral Ruins 2019

Review by Pete Clemons

"An iconic band playing iconic music in an iconic venue." Not my words, but those repeated by many of the folk who were among the 8000 attendees that turned out at the old cathedral where The Specials recently held court.

Now that they have passed into history this series of four sold out dates will, without doubt, enter city folklore. It was an inspired choice to hold these gigs in the ruins.

The old cathedral is a place of peace and reconciliation. And, 40 years ago, The Specials began a campaign that united people in a way few others have. They were at the forefront of the fight against racism and fairness. And that mission is as valid today as it was then. As such, it made absolute sense to hold the gigs there.

Guitarist Lynval Golding mentioned that there was no better place within the city to celebrate their 40th anniversary. And it is true. The Specials could easily have taken the easy option of one night at the Ricoh Arena, for example, if the intention was to just attract a big audience. Glowing with pride Lynval also mentioned that the look, feel and vibe of the old cathedral was just so incredible.

But the comment that resonated the most with me was that made by bass player Horace Panter. He pointed out correctly that, nowadays, so many things are very different since 1979. But in some ways, things are still very much the same. And with that in mind this band are still relevant.

Their most recent release, ‘Encore’, although not created from out and out pent up anger and passion, still carries many messages and themes. Particularly those surrounding issues we face today such as the politically divided country we find ourselves in along with a glimpse into private personal issues.

Vocalist Terry Hall concedes that technology has surpassed us and that, in a way, we have lost control. We are now led by goats he quips. In that respect ‘Encore’ can be viewed as a gentle reminder that maybe we need to take stock and reboot ourselves.

2019 has been a very good year indeed for The Specials. Up until the start of the Ruins gigs they had so far completed, more than 70 dates all over the place, with almost all of them being sold out. And, to top it all, they had a number 1 record which had since, more recently, gone silver.

As for the gig. Similar, to 40 years ago, it was still high energy and frenetic. I have to say that the band, although very different, were high energy. The stage was a snapshot of protest. Placards adorned it highlighting some of the issues addressed in the ‘Encore’ album. And the set contained tunes like ‘Embarrassed by You’, ‘Vote for Me’ and ‘BLM’. But the evening wasn’t swamped by ‘Encore’.

This was indeed a celebration. And we were also treated to a nostalgia trip by way of ‘Gangsters’, ‘Rat Race’, ‘Man at C&A’, ‘Friday Night, Saturday Morning’, ‘Ghost Town’, ‘You’re Wondering Now’ and many others.

The gig was a resounding success. An overjoyed audience was evidence of this. Even as the ruins emptied out this unique atmosphere seemed to flow out with it. Memories made from nights like this are priceless and ingrained within you for life.

Terry Hall’s final words were typically barbed. He mentioned how, in Los Angeles, May 29 had been decreed as The Specials day. ‘What does Coventry City Council give us?’ – he questioned. ‘Fucking Argos vouchers’.