The Specials return for Coventry Cathedral gig

The Specials return for Coventry Cathedral gig

Postby dutchman » Wed Jul 10, 2019 6:57 pm

The city’s greatest band The Specials hit all the right notes at Coventry Cathedral in the first of four consecutive homecoming gigs on Tuesday night

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In the shadow of the city’s iconic spires, on a stage nestled in the spectacular cathedral ruins, the legendary group sung of peace, politics and the city’s past.

Lead singer Terry Hall, bassist Horace Panter and guitarist and vocalist Lynval Golding performed the intimate concert as part of their tour to mark 40 years of Coventry’s great world export, 2-Tone.

They returned home fresh after reaching number one with their first studio album in nearly four decades, aptly named Encore.

The four hometown concerts are set to be the defining moments of the city’s celebration of 40 years of the 2-tone record label which spawned the chart-topping Specials, The Beat, Madness and The Selecter.

Providing their traditional fusion of ska, reggae and punk, there were performances of new politically charged hits ‘Vote For Me’ and ‘Embarrassed by You’ – as well as nostalgic renditions of classics such as ‘Too Much Too Young’ and ‘A Message to You Rudy’.

The music was delivered in front of a backdrop of banners, some emblazoned with slogans such as ‘fake bombs’, ‘we sell hope’, ‘non judgement day is coming’ and simply, ‘think’.

It is 10 years since the band reformed and played a selection of city shows harking back to the glory years of the late 1970s and early 1980s.

They also supported The Rolling Stones at the Ricoh Arena last year and were happy to take centrestage in front of a rapturous home crowd.

Horace Panter tweeted: “Coventry – last night was fantastic! Thanks for the warm welcome.”

He also quoted Terry’s words from the stage as the band played their song Friday Night Saturday Morning, reflecting on Coventry’s nightlife of the late 1970s: “‘I’ve never dedicated a song to a chip shop before; this one is to #theparsonsnose – #fridaynightsaturdaymorning!”

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Re: The Specials return for Coventry Cathedral gig

Postby dutchman » Thu Jul 11, 2019 8:18 pm

'Stop this sacrilege' - one woman protest outside Specials Cathedral shows

Fans of The Specials may have spotted a one-woman protest outside the band's homecoming shows at the Coventry Cathedral ruins.

Now, one of the band members has asked people to "treat her with kindness and respect".

The Coventry 2 Tone band are playing a run of four shows at the outdoor venue in celebration of their 40th anniversary.

A photo posted on Twitter shows a lady holding up a sign outside the Cathedral which reads:

"STOP THIS SACRILEGE!!

"Coventry Cathedral is a "house of prayer for all nations" (Bible: Mark, 11:17 NIV) not an entertainment venue.

"Say NO to:

"- Raves, rock concerts, tea dances

"- Gin tasting, food festivals and corporate entertaining

"- Clothes sales, fashions shows, films and drama

"... in the Cathedral Nave and Ruins."

The Specials bassist Horace Panter said: "People, may I request that if you see this lady protesting about our gigs Coventry Cathedral that you treat her with kindness and respect. Thank you!"

A number of people replying to the post said they had seen and spoken with her too.

Martyn Brunt said: "Me and my wife chatted with her briefly on our way in, very politely. She's just standing up for what she believes in."

Horace said that Terry had had "a friendly chat" with the protester.

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Re: The Specials return for Coventry Cathedral gig

Postby rebbonk » Fri Jul 12, 2019 9:57 am

They've had mixed reviews on social media
Of course it'll fit; you just need a bigger hammer.
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