Artist

The Special A.K.A.

1981-1984·Coventry

After the 1981 split, Jerry Dammers kept the Specials' old alternative name for a shifting lineup built around John Bradbury, Dick Cuthell, the Swinging Cats' guitarist John Shipley and Rhoda Dakar, later joined by the singers Stan Campbell and Egidio Newton. The singles "The Boiler", "War Crimes" and "Racist Friend" led to the album In the Studio in 1984, which reached No 34, and to "Nelson Mandela", a No 9 hit.

The full story is in 2 Tone.

At a glance

Active
1981–1984
From
Coventry, England
Records in the issues
1 (1984)
Original label
Two-Tone Records
Listening guide track
“Nelson Mandela”

Listen

In the 2 Tone listening guide: “Nelson Mandela”

In the issues

  • 2 Tone
    Supporting cast · 1979-1984 · Members

    2 Tone is a genre from Coventry, West Midlands, England, 1979–1984. Its principal artists include The Specials, The Selecter, Madness and The Beat. This issue covers 8 essential albums and 14 dated events.

Records