Specials Tour Details

2-Tone legends The Specials have added British ska newcomers to the line up of their upcoming tour.

Ska originated in Jamaica, blending American styles with native calypso. Jaunty and upbeat, it remains one of the island's most enduring musical exports.

Arriving in Britain via the thousands of immigrants moving to their Imperial motherland, ska has become a curiously British form. Adopted by Mods and skinheads as their music of choice, the Jamaican form enjoyed a stunning renaissance.

Groups such as The Specials and Madness blended ska with punk, producing a stunning successful blend. One of the most iconic groups of their generation, The Specials split up following the seminal track 'Ghost Town'.

Returning earlier this year The Specials have played a host of tour dates. Sparking emotional scenes amongst fans, the group performed five nights in a row in Brixton Academy - at one point a home from home for the Coventry group.

Confirming a series of tour dates for this winter, The Specials have arranged for fast rising ska / soul collection Pama International to support them.

Due to release their new album 'Pama Outernational' on November 2nd the band are a sizzling live attraction. The Specials Lynval Golding was evidently buzzing about the forthcoming tour.

"2009 has been a truly fantastic year" he said. "The reaction from fans to The Specials reforming has been overwhelming. I can't thank the fans enough for their support this year. People keep asking me about new Specials material."

"I'm currently just enjoying the shows and working with the guys again. Pama International gives me the creative freedom and musical outlet for new material. It takes me back to my roots of 70s reggae & dub and mashes it with 60's soul. There's no pressure, we can let the music speak for itself"

The Specials forthcoming UK tour with Pama International is due to start on November 1st.