The Specials
The Specials

The Specials

GBRReggae, Ska
1,843,195 monthly listeners
  • 627.5K followers
  • 152K subscribers
  • 155.9K followers
  • 106.6K fans

The Specials's Top Spotify Songs

1
Artist Name
A Message to You Rudy - 2015 Remaster
450.7K streams
2
Artist Name
Ghost Town
422.6K streams
3
Artist Name
Gangsters - 2015 Remaster
99.6K streams
4
Artist Name
Too Much Too Young - 2015 Remaster
72K streams
5
Artist Name
Monkey Man - 2015 Remaster
57.3K streams
450.7K
Streams last week

A Message to You Rudy - 2015 Remaster

The Specials
422.6K
Streams last week
99.6K
Streams last week

Gangsters - 2015 Remaster

The Specials
72K
Streams last week

Too Much Too Young - 2015 Remaster

The Specials
57.3K
Streams last week

Monkey Man - 2015 Remaster

The Specials
47.4K
Streams last week
43.9K
Streams last week

You're Wondering Now - 2015 Remaster

The Specials
37.7K
Streams last week
30.5K
Streams last week

Little Bitch - 2015 Remaster

The Specials
26.2K
Streams last week

The Specials's YouTube Videos

36.5M
Views

The Specials - A Message To You Rudy (Official Music Video)

TheSpecialsOfficVEVO

The Specials - A Message To You Rudy (Official Music Video)
Youtube
36.5M views
Mar 12, 2009
20.2M
Views
The Specials - Ghost Town [Official HD Remastered Video]
Youtube
20.2M views
Mar 12, 2015
15.4M
Views

The Specials - Gangsters (Official Music Video)

TheSpecialsOfficVEVO

The Specials - Gangsters (Official Music Video)
Youtube
15.4M views
Mar 12, 2009

The Specials's Top Spotify Playlists in the past 3 Months

1
Artist Name
This Is The Specials
by Spotify
2
Artist Name
Ska Punk Essentials
by Spotify
3
Artist Name
Seventies Hits 1970-1979
by Spotify
4
Artist Name
Roadtrip Classics
by Spotify
5
Artist Name
NADIE SABE NADA | Canciones musicales
by Spotify
46.4K
Followers
31.7K
Followers
22.4K
Followers
20.9K
Followers
14.1K
Followers

The Specials's Chart Ranks

Past 12 Months

Events82 Events

Aug
20-21
Hardwick Live
United Kingdom
GBR
, Stockton-on-TeesN/A N/A
Past
Aug
19-21
Beautiful Days
United Kingdom
GBR
, ExeterN/A N/A
Past
Jul
09
The Specials at Rochester Castle
United Kingdom
GBR
, RochesterN/A Other
Past
Jul
08-10
Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival
United Kingdom
GBR
, BirminghamN/A N/A
Past
Jun
25-25
TW Classic
Belgium
BEL
, RotselaarN/A N/A
Past

The Specials's Past Events82 Events

  • Hardwick Live festival

    Becky Hill, Purple Disco Machine, Ella Eyre, Stereophonics, The Proclaimers, Jake Bugg, The Specials, Robin S, Kevin Saunderson, David Penn, Jess Bays, Only The Poets, Inner City, Seasick Steve, Danny Tenaglia, The Lottery Winners, Arielle Free, The Night Café, Abel, DJ Pippi, RATS, JO MANJI, Selena Faider, Huey Morgan, Melon Bomb, Brandon Block, Twister, Tall Paul, Jeremy Healy, Hayley McKay, Oh My God! It's The Church, The Owl, Ricky Morrison, Ryan McDermott, Elizabeth Liddle, Faye Fantarrow, The Voluntears, Keiran Bowe, Dan James, Tony Hutchinson, Candi's Dog, Linden C
    GBR, Stockton-on-Tees
    Medium
  • Beautiful Days festival

    The Specials, Flogging Molly, The Dandy Warhols, The Interrupters, The Rumjacks, Billy Bragg, Cam Cole, Anaïs Mitchell, Hollie Cook, Seasick Steve, Maximo Park, Bob Vylan, The Fisherman's Friends, Beth Orton, Reverend And The Makers, Levellers, The Magic Numbers, Mista Trick, Bazil, Katy J Pearson, DEADLETTER, The Unthanks, Lars Frederiksen, Seth Lakeman, Gaudi, FEET, Snapped Ankles, The Showhawk Duo, Ned's Atomic Dustbin, The Lovely Eggs, Thea Gilmore, Don Letts, Eliza Shaddad, Webmoms, The Trials of Cato, The Bar Stool Preachers, Craig Charles Funk & Soul, Laid Blak, Eliza Carthy, Mr bruce, Millie Manders and the Shutup, Opus Kink, Blue Rose Code, The Celtic Social Club, Boca 45, Noble Jacks, Jim Bob, Samantics, The Bar-Steward Sons of Val Doonican, Funke and The Two Tone Baby, IDESTROY, The Imagined Village, The Langan Band, Alex Hart, Professor Skank, Jack Rutter, Tony Wright, Binbag Wisdom, Wilswood Buoys, The Sweetchunks Band, The Dead Reds, DJ CHRIS TOFU, Dat Brass, Harry Heart, SLEAZE, Tobias Ben Jacob, Lionstar, Segregates, Davey Malone, Just a Couple of Mums, King Farmer
    GBR, Exeter
    Big
  • The Specials at Rochester Castle

    The Specials
    Rochester Castle
    GBR, Rochester
    Other
  • Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival festival

    The Wailers, De La Soul, The Specials, Nightmares On Wax, Maya Delilah, Fatback Band, Barney Artist, Children of Zeus, Lady Blackbird, Horse Meat Disco, Greg Wilson, Coops, DJ Yoda, Rosie Frater-Taylor, Isabelle Brown, ILL Considered, August Charles, Sam Redmore, Craig Charles Funk & Soul, NEONE the Wonderer, Secret Night Gang, TOUCAN, Julie Dexter, Hemai, Tom Ford, Oh My God! It's The Church, SISTER COOKIE, Echo Juliet, alisha, Don't Problem, The Atlantic Players, cuzn fred, Richie Barthez, Freedom 35's, james arlington, Dee'cleo, Mazzy Snape, Nicklin, Al McKay, Funky Motive, Juggenaught, Paul Griff, Japes, For The Love
    GBR, Birmingham
    Small
  • TW Classic festival

    The Kid LAROI, Florence + The Machine, Placebo, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Smile, The Specials, Courtney Barnett, Sky Ferreira, Sleaford Mods, AG club, Zwangere Guy, Sylvie Kreusch, Whispering Sons, Intergalactic Lovers, Noordkaap
    BEL, Rotselaar
    Mega

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Lowkey

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Easy Star All-Stars
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JMRoots Reggae
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Ocean Colour Scene
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The Specials's Beatport Songs

1
Artist Name
10 Commandments (Original Mix)
Released on Aug 30, 2019
2
Artist Name
Ghost Town (Original Mix)
Released on Mar 01, 2013
3
Artist Name
Rat Race (Original Mix)
Released on Apr 18, 2011
4
Artist Name
A Message to You Rudy (2002 Remastered Version)
Released on Apr 18, 2011
5
Artist Name
Ghost Town (Brand Blank Dubstep Remix) [Re-Recorded] (Original Mix)
Released on Jun 13, 2011

Ghost Town (Dubstep Remix)

The Specials

Ghost Town (Dubstep Remix)

The Specials

More about The Specials

Overview of Ska musician The Specials

The Specials are a British band from Coventry, England, who are well-known for their distinctive fusion of ska and reggae music. Their lively rhythms, appealing melodies, and socially conscious lyrics that frequently address themes like racial inequality and political injustice define their music. The group is credited with popularizing the 2 Tone subgenre, which combined energetic punk rock with traditional ska rhythms.

The urgency and call to action in The Specials' music frequently forces listeners to reevaluate their convictions and principles. The band has won over crowds all over the world with their exhilarating live shows and contagious grooves. Fans of all ages and socioeconomic levels have embraced their music, and their impact on the music business continues to this day. The Specials' enduring reputation is proof of how music has the ability to unite people and promote social change.

What are the most popular songs for Ska musician The Specials?

The Specials, a well-known Reggae and Ska group from Coventry, United Kingdom, has a lot of timeless tunes. The songs "Ghost Town," "A Message to You Rudy," "Rat Race," "Too Much Too Young," "Monkey Man," "Gangsters," "Friday Night, Saturday Morning," and others are among their most well-known.

With its eerie rhythm and thought-provoking lyrics on urban decay and societal unrest, "Ghost Town" stands out as one of their most enduring songs. When the song was published in 1981, it immediately became a classic and spent three weeks at the top of the UK charts. With its energetic rhythm and appealing melody, "A Message to You Rudy" is another fan favorite.

Released in 1980, "Too Much Too Young" became their debut single and peaked at the top of the UK charts. The song's provocative lyrics, which discuss teenage pregnancy and the demands of young parenthood, have subsequently become a mainstay in the band's repertoire. Other well-known songs like "Rat Race," "Monkey Man," and "Gangsters" exhibit the group's distinctive fusion of Ska and Reggae rhythms, laced with punk vigor and social criticism.

The Specials' distinctive sound and stirring lyrics have had a lasting influence on the music industry, inspiring other musicians. One of the most influential bands of the 20th century, their music hasn't lost any of its power with new generations of admirers.

What are the latest songs and music albums for Ska musician The Specials?

The Specials, a Coventry-based British band well-known for its reggae and ska music, have recently put out a number of new songs and albums. Protest Songs 1924 - 2012 (2021), their most recent album, has songs that speak to social and political themes like racism, inequality, and injustice. The album features a blend of punk, reggae, and ska influences and shows the band's distinctive style. The Specials' dedication to using their music to address significant topics will be appreciated by their audience.

The Specials recently released their most recent album along with a number of new tracks. The albums "War Crimes" (2023), "Ghost Town (Re-recorded - Sped Up)" (2023), and "Concrete Jungle [Film Soundtrack Version]" (2023) demonstrate the group's capacity to remain current while adhering to its core principles. The re-release of "Ghost Town" pays homage to their iconic single from 1981, which was a commentary on the social and economic problems that the UK was experiencing at the time. The rewritten lyrics address the status of the world today and the song has a faster tempo in the new version.

The Specials' interpretation of the timeless Bob Marley song "Get Up, Stand Up" on their 2021 single "Get Up, Stand Up" demonstrates how much they like reggae music. The song implores listeners to act and speak out in support of their convictions. The Specials have recently released albums that show they can make music that is both musically and socially conscious. Reggae, ska, and punk music lovers will enjoy their distinct sound and dedication to changing the world via music.

Which are the most important music performances and festival appearances for Ska musician The Specials?

The Specials are a British band that was established in Coventry in the late 1970s and has had a successful career in music. The group has achieved both financial and critical success because to their distinctive fusion of punk, ska, and reggae music. The Specials have given performances at a range of events and festivals throughout the world over the years.

The Specials made one of their most memorable festival appearances of 2019 at the Victorious Festival. The band shared the stage with luminaries like New Order and Two Door Cinema Club. Classic songs like "Ghost Town" and "A Message to You, Rudy" were included in The Specials' upbeat set. Fans and critics alike hailed the band's performance as the festival's high point.

The Specials made a huge festival appearance at Bospop in 2018. The festival, which is held in the Dutch town of Weert, is well recognized for its mix of rock, pop, and blues music. The Specials' concert included both new and classic songs, which delighted the eclectic audience. The band's energetic performance demonstrated their capacity for fostering a festive mood.

The Specials have performed at some of the most well-known music venues in the world. In 2019, they gave one of their most memorable performances at the O2 Academy Brixton. The band performed songs from their most recent album, "Encore" in front of a packed house. Both the band and the crowd had a memorable time thanks to the venue's acoustics and decor.

The Specials have generally had a fruitful career in music, and their festival appearances and live performances have only strengthened their reputation. The Specials continue to enthrall crowds with their distinctive fusion of reggae, ska, and punk music at venues like the Victorious Festival and the O2 Academy Brixton.

Which are the most important collaborations with other musicians for Ska musician The Specials?

The Specials, a Coventry-based British ska band, have worked with a variety of musicians over the course of their career. Notably, they collaborated with Jamaican trombonist Rico Rodriguez on "Skinhead Symphony: Longshot Kick The Bucket / Liquidator / Skinhead Moonstomp - Live at Tiffany's Coventry 08/12/79 - 2022 Remaster" and their hit song "A Message to You Rudy." Rico's contributions gave the band's music a particular Jamaican feel and helped them establish themselves as a ska group.

Desmond Dekker, another Jamaican musician, also worked with The Specials. The group's songs "Jamaica Ska" and "Take It Easy" were co-written by Dekker, dubbed the "King of Ska." The Specials' status as a group that appreciated and valued the ska music's origins was cemented by these partnerships, which also helped them gain a larger audience.

The Specials and British singer Rhoda Dakar of The Bodysnatchers worked together on the song "The Boiler." The band's sound was given a soulful touch by Dakar's vocals, which also demonstrated the band's ability to blend many musical styles.

Overall, The Specials' associations with Rico Rodriguez, Desmond Dekker, and Rhoda Dakar expanded their musical palette and shown their capacity to fuse several musical genres. Through these partnerships, they were able to solidify their position within the ska subgenre and guarantee that their music would live on for years to come.

What do people also ask about Ska musician The Specials?


Why did The Specials fall out?

The Specials split up because guitarist Roddy "Radiation" Byers couldn't play the chords on Ghost Town, which abruptly put an end to the group's recording career.


Did The Specials become fun boy three?

After leaving the Specials, Terry Hall, Neville Staple, and Lynval Golding created Fun Boy Three.


Did Amy Winehouse sing with The Specials?

The Specials and Amy Winehouse performed "You're Wondering Now" and "Ghost Town" at the V Festival on August 23.


When did The Specials disband?

The Specials disbanded in 1981.


What country is the Specials from?

Coventry, United Kingdom


Who is Hannah singer in the Specials?

The Special's 2021 album, Protest Songs 1924-2012, featured Hannah Hu, a Chinese-British singer-songwriter, as a guest vocalist.


Where is the Specials filmed?

The City of London, Rotherhithe Tunnel, and the East End are just a few of the places in London where the Specials music video was shot. It comes to an end in the City of London's financial district.


What happened to the group The Specials?

Following the success of "Ghost Town" in 1981, the band The Specials disbanded. With two other musicians, the lead vocalist, Terry Hall, founded Fun Boy Three, which later evolved into the Colourfield.


Why did Fun Boy Three leave The Specials?

The Specials split up in 1981 as a result of Hall's struggles to combine his political message with his celebrity after success proved to be overpowering.


Why did Neville leave The Specials?

Staple left The Specials in 2012 after appearing in reunion lineups from 1993 to 2001 and again from 2009 to 2012. His reasons for leaving were primarily personal and related to his health.


Why did Terry Hall leave The Specials?

Terry Hall departed The Specials after the release of their hit song Ghost Town because of differences in style, and he later went on to establish Fun Boy Three with Lynval Golding and Neville Staple.


What happened to the lead singer of the specials?

Terry Hall, the lead singer of the Specials, died of pancreatic cancer, according to a bandmate.


Who wrote most of The Specials songs?

Original songs.


Were The Specials left wing?

The Specials were an outspokenly left-wing band in the late 1970s and early 1980s.


Why did the specials fall out?

According to band founder Jerry Dammers, The Specials' recording career came to an end because their guitarist was unable to perform the chords on their final hit, Ghost Town.


Did The Specials become Fun Boy Three?

Three former members of the UK ska band the Specials—Terry Hall, Neville Staples, and Lynval Golding—form the band The Fun Boy Three.


When did the Specials break up?

After a succession of Top 10 singles, including A Message to You, Rudy, Rat Race, and Ghost Town, The Specials broke up in 1981.


What original members are still in the Specials?

The current founding members of The Specials are drummer Kenrick Rowe from PJ Harvey, guitarist Steve Cradock from Ocean Colour Scene, and keyboardist Nikolaj Torp Larsen.