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By Dod
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The venue was full to capacity - there were skinheads, Harrington
jackets, Fred Perrys and shiny doc marten boots everywhere. The crowd
were a mixed bunch, mostly men and women in their mid forties but there
were many youngsters who weren’t even born 30 years ago when two-tone
started. The DJ was playing some good old ska, getting the crowd even
more in the mood than they already were.
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When “Enjoy Yourself” was played on the sound system a crescendo of
noise went up in anticipation. The big curtain that had been covering
the stage was dropped and revealed the Specials logo on the rear wall.
The band were there and they moved straight into action jumping all
over, except the sullen looking Terry Hall who did everything at his
own pace. “Do the Dog” was done at a break neck pace, and “Dawning of a
New Era” and “Gangsters” were over in a flash.
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The energy levels of the band were superb, especially Lynval and
Neville who were jumping about the stage. The band’s camaraderie was
totally mesmerizing would not make you think they’d had a break of 27
years. Almost all of the first album was covered: the aptly named “Too
Hot” as the venue was like a sauna, the eerie “Ghost Town” gave
everyone a chance to cool off before it was back to full pace with “Too
Much Too Young” and a few tracks off the second album.
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Even though Terry kept his dour persona he proved to be very
entertaining. At one point Terry asked for a cigarette and a packet was
thrown on stage, which he played about with sticking them in his ears
and under his nose. This was the closest we got to a smile from him!
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Throughout the whole show the atmosphere was electric and people danced
and sang along constantly. The twenty-four songs during ninety minutes
were over in a flash. The Specials finished up with “Enjoy Yourself”
(which everyone did!) all went home happy…
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www.myspace.com/ dmphotographyaberdeen www.bigwheelmagazine.com |
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