The Specials – at Corn Exchange – Edinburgh, UK – November 12, 2009

Even though I’d already seen The Specials two times this year I was still in great anticipation to see them again. This time I was going to make sure that I was right in the action with my friend beside me. He was even more excited than I was – this being the first time he’d ever seen them live. The excitement could be felt in the air!

The Corn Exchange seemed like a nice venue, it filled up steadily with the usual Ska crowd of skinheads, Harringtons and Fred Perry’s. Everyone seemed up for a party. Even though the gig was sold out it still had room to move about (bar right in the mosh pit!) and all the crowd I bumped into were in good spirits and had a friendly manner. The crowd were a mixed bunch, mostly men and women in their mid forties but there were many youngsters down the front that weren’t even born 30 years ago when two-tone started.

When “Enjoy Yourself” started to play on the sound system the crowd dashed forward. A big white curtain that was covering the stage dropped and at the sight of The Specials the crowd burst into cheers and a whole load of skanking! The band moved straight into action jumping all over, except the sullen looking Terry Hall who slowly walked to his mic. “Do the Dog” was done at a break neck pace and “Dawning of a New Era” and “Gangsters” were over in a flash.

The energy levels of the band were superb, especially Lynval and Neville who were jumping about the stage. The band seemed even tighter than they did in April when they started the anniversary tour. Terry’s voice was superb as he sang his way through the set, The poignant “Doesn’t Make it Alright” still putting across a message that hasn’t changed in 30 years. Terry and Neville center stage sing to each other ‘just because you’re a black boy’ and ‘just because you’re white’ hitting home how much of a breakthrough band they were back in the day.

It was great to hear the addition of “Stupid Marriage” where Neville got to play his role as judge rough neck. Terry went off for a ‘pina colada’ and we all got a much needed rest while Roddy sang “Concrete Jungle”. We were all dripping with sweat but just so happy to be there. My friend kept pointing at the stage and saying “it’s The Specials!” – unbelievable that they’re back together sounding just as good as 30 years ago.

All the hits were rolled out: “A Message to you Rudy” was dedicated to the missing Jerry Dammers by Lynval, who played the whole show with the biggest grin on his face. “Do nothing” slowed down the pace so everyone can get their breath back again. When it went back to full pace with “Little Bitch” and “Too Much Too Young” it was by far the best show I’ve seen them do yet.

Throughout the whole show the atmosphere was electric and people danced and sang along constantly, getting bounced al lover the place and quite crushed in a non violent manner. The set was over in a flash. The Specials finished up with “You’re Wondering Now” what to do, now that this is the end, well I and many many others hope the 30th anniversary tour is not a one off and hope they continue for a while.
 

 

-Dod and Sally M.-
Big Wheel Overseas Correspondents

 

More photos of the event can be seen HERE

 
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