30 Years of 2 Tone Ska

The year 2008 has seen 40 years pass since the release of The Beatles legendary “White Album” in 1968, and 30 years since the infamous Winterland split of punk legends The Sex Pistols. However with 2009 fast approaching, we will see the arrival of the 30th anniversary of 2 Tone, the record label that epitomised the famous Ska revival of the late 70’s and early 80’s. 

If there’s one thing that we have learnt from recession; it is that it is a breeding ground for new youth movements. Bands over the years ranging from The Sex Pistols, The Clash and New Order leapt up onto the music scene on the back of difficult times, drawing inspiration and channelling anger into popular tracks. However, one music scene appeared towards the end of the late 70’s that was to change the history of British music and culture forever – Ska.

The genre sprung to prominence under the name of 2 Tone, the music label that kick started the movement across the United Kingdom. The 2 Tone sound was one of a combination of Jamaican Ska rhythms and faster tempo’s accompanied by the aggressive sounds and lyrics of punk rock, immediately capturing the attention of the post-punk audiences. The main epicentre of the music was the West Midlands, with Coventry band, The Specials, the main movers of the scene.

The Specials, originally the “Coventry Automatics”, were formed in 1977 and first came to public light as a support band for The Clash in June 1978.  Keyboardist Jerry Dammers was keen to fulfil a dream of creating his own record label, and helped by bassist Horace Panter, Dammers designed the artwork of the famous “Walt Jabsco”. The icon, based on an early image of Peter Tosh from The Wailers, soon became famous with the 2 Tone movement and became the chief feature of the label on their releases, as did the black and white chequered pattern. The label was established in 1979, becoming the catalyst of the Ska scene. 

The first record released by the label was The Specials top 10 hit “Gangsters”, a brilliant energy-fuelled track based loosely on Prince Busters “Al Capone”. From this influence, the legendary opening line “Bernie Rhodes knows, don’t argue” was spawned.  5,000 copies of the single were originally pressed, accompanied by the b-side “The Selecter”, a demo recorded by members of what were to become 2 Tones first signed band, The Selecter.  

As The Specials popularity grew, so did the amount of admirers wishing to sign them to their record labels. Chrysalis records were the label to acquire their services after satisfying Dammers demands that the 2 Tone label maintain its own identity and ability to sign bands. Through this, the label was able to sign up and coming Ska bands such as The Selecter, Madness and The Beat.

A common occurrence among the 2 Tone bands was to rework tracks done by Ska artists from the 1960’s. The Beats' first single was “Tears of a Clown” by Smokey Robinson, whilst in October 1979 The Specials released a cover of the legendary Ska track “A Message to you, Rudy” by Dandy Livingstone, complete with “Nite Klub” as a double A-side.  Consequently, the reworking of these classic Ska songs often turned the originals into hits again in the United Kingdom.

The brilliant thing about 2 Tone was that it was a label made by the people FOR the people. The phenomenon swept the UK as 2 Tone bands began to dominate the charts. A 40 date tour of the UK featuring The Specials, The Selecter and Madness sold out across the country. The success of this tour took the country by storm placing 2 Tone on the map. Unfortunately, the tour did not pass without controversy. Disturbances were caused by a minority of troublemakers, with racists from the National Front and BNP aiming to recruit from shows. The bands, disgusted with the nerve of the racist factions, firmly distanced themselves from the groups and made it clear that they were not welcome. The idea of 2 Tones’ black and white colours were to promote racial unity and peace, especially in a time when racial tensions were high across the UK.  This made it hypocritical for the racist groups to attempt to recruit people when they were dancing to and enjoying multi-racial bands singing about racial unity.

As 2 Tone grew from strength to strength in the UK, so did its popularity across the world. The Specials did tours in the United States, Europe and Japan to rapturous audiences whilst the other bands continued to be successful. Although they only stayed on 2 Tone to release their first single, Madness were one of the most successful bands when introducing 2 Tone to the mainstream.

Possibly the most well known and significant 2 Tone track is “Ghost town” by The Specials. Released in June 1981, the track has become symbolic in representing what Britain was like at that time. Described by many as the perfect summary of the state and social mood of the country at the time, “Ghost town” was written in response to the policies enforced by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. As Thatcher’s de-industrialization of Britain was underway, The Specials had toured the country on their “More Specials” tour of 1980. Seeing the impact of the government’s actions, closed shops combined with angry audiences to name but a few, inspired the band to write the hit. “The Government leaving the youth on the shelf” sang Staple, in an eerie, angry voice: “the people getting angry.” 

As with all music scenes, 2 Tone Ska began to decline as the birth of the New Romantics began.  However, modern music still contains plenty of Ska-influenced beats and rhythms, whilst the underground Ska scene is still maintained. Such a massive part of Britain’s musical history and culture will not be forgotten. Much of the 2 Tone music is still as relevant today as it ever was, especially during this time of recession and uncertainty. It gives testament to the fact that this music was able to provide a gateway of escape for people from the misery of everyday life in Thatcher’s Britain of the late 70’s, giving them the opportunity to vent their frustrations and enjoy themselves. With the current state of the country, I can only but hope that the Ska scene can seize the chance to reinvent itself back to the days of its former glory.

With the announcement today that The Specials will be performing a reunion tour for the 30th anniversary next April, many skinheads will be heading for their wardrobes to get out the old Fred Perry polo shirts, braces and Doctor Martens boots. Many of the old bands are still performing with Bad Manners and Madness each currently embarking on Christmas tours respectively. It’s time to listen to some Ska, lace up your boots and do skanking!

http://www.thespecials.com/

Feature by Alex Read

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