The Skabilly Rebels at the Arches December 2021

 The Skabilly Rebels at the Arches December 2021

by Pete Clemons

If Jerry Dammers is credited as the architect of The Specials, by way of his vision of reviving and reinventing past styles of music and fashion, then Roddy 'Radiation' Byers was the guy who brought a touch of originality to that band. Roddy also provided the edge that a band requires.

The pulsating rhythms of The Specials have since found a solid niche within popular music history and beyond. And Roddy is quite rightly recognised, by the Ska music fraternity, as one of the pioneers of that whole 2 tone movement.

Today, Roddy Radiation continues to lead an original band. The Skabilly Rebels play a blend of music repeated rarely. And after many years in the business the Skabilly Rebels have fostered and thrived on their mix of Ska and Rockabilly.

Rockabilly and vintage fashion are not only a statement but they are also a lifestyle. Rock 'n' Roll is your life and your love. It is clear, that no matter the size of gig, Roddy is meticulous in his appearance. His attention to detail is clear for all to see. For every Skabilly Rebels gig Roddy is immaculately turned out without a hair not being in place.

Roddy still has that sharpness and edge to him and through his writing he has brought us songs like Hey Little Rich Girl, Rat Race and Concrete Jungle to the proceedings. And these were performed at the recent gig at the Arches Venue. Despite an obvious cold and the fact he was struggling a little Roddy and the band who tonight are: Joe Harcourt on guitar, Connor O'Connor on bass guitar, Adie H Dee on Sax and an Australian called Jeff who is standing in for Matt Hart on drums, put in a remarkably decent shift.

The swingbeat continues with interpretations of Do Nothing, Judgement Day, Bonediggin' and many others. Overall a tremendous performance and an extremely enjoyable evening. The songs that Roddy provided are still amongst the most popular in The Specials live repertoire.

Roddy wears his heart on his sleeve and has a conviction and charisma that adds to his compelling stage presence.