The Specials – Leamington Spa 1981

 

The Specials – Leamington Spa 1981

by Pete Clemons

The Specials have long had an association with Leamington Spa. Their hit single, Ghost Town, had been recorded there. And during that recording period the band played a concert there.

This deliberately low-key gig sold out weeks in advance and many youngsters had to be turned away at the door. This date had been seen as something of a 'come-back' for the Specials, and obviously as important to them as to their fans. It had been sparsely advertised the organisers preferring to rely, successfully, on word of mouth to ensure that only local kids could get tickets. There were even celebrity door men.

As a band The Specials had always appeared determined to progress, and reject the media imposed limitations of their brand of 2-Tone Ska. Their music now was more fluid, and, the overall impression, was happier and more optimistic. For this particular gig, gone were the black and white suits, shirts and ties in favour of an image less look which didn’t predefine their sound.

At the Spa Centre they played a long, varied set including obvious first album material - Too much, Too Young, Monkey Man, Gangsters, and most of 'More Specials'.

Three 'new' songs were all slipped in, all of which appeared on their then forthcoming single. The A-side being 'Ghost Town' a memorable tune which could well be about Coventry. 'Why' and 'Friday Night/Saturday Morning' both of which were equally commercially and viable.

A question asked at the time was 'it remains to be seen whether the Specials can recapture the nation's affection' with this singles release. It certainly seemed to work.

Violence, of course, was almost unavoidable during those days, and the Specials twice stopped playing when fights broke out between excitable youngsters. Sadly, due to previous incidents, the band found themselves in a difficult position of being unable to say much for fear of incurring the further wroth of Her Majesty's finest.

As if already predicting outbreaks, The Specials had already warned that if another fight starts, they'd go. It did, and so they did. In fairness, the majority of the audience made it plain that they go and fight elsewhere.

The Specials returned to the stage and reached a climax with the authentic jingle 'Enjoy Yourself'. They lost it slightly with the last number, 'Niteclub', but the encores of 'Monkey Man' and 'Too Much, Too Young', raised the pulse in readiness for a second and final post midnight encore of the suddenly meaningful and visionary 'Maggie's Farm'.

Terry Hall on congas, Neville on tom-toms and an unusual vocal interpretation, but the message was clear. And when Terry sang 'I try my best/ to be just like I am/but everybody wants you/to be just like them' it was obviously the Special's special message to you.... reject your stereotype and assert your individuality.

Hot Snacks and 21 Guns had provided the initial entertainment. Hot Snacks, in particular, had a sizeable, noisy and dedicated following.

21 Guns played with huge confidence. Their sound reminiscent of later Clash. A danceable, bouncy reggae beat, energetic vocals, and self-assurance born of not inconsiderable talent. Both bands weren't anxious to convey an anti-racist message by trite polemic, but rather by attitude and musical content.

The whole event had been a worthy message - a worthy occasion.