Review: The Specials, Wolverhampton Civic Hall

I was surrounded by thousands of skinheads from all walks of life and more excited for one thing and one thing only - The Specials.

In their first Midlands appearance since the loss of John Bradbury, the band return - armed the The Libertines' Gary Powell in his place.

As the crowds began to flood in, General Roots took to the stage with the uplifting and soulful reggae odes.

They blended soaring and harmonious vocals with slowly, beating bass lines and calming guitar hooks that could burst into technical solos at any minute.

They regularly addressed the crowd with messages of positivity and love to set the welcoming scene ska and two-tone have strives to establish for decades.

Smoke filled the room, blue lights drowned out the excited murmurs of the crowd and the first ominous howls and chords of Ghost Town filled our hearts with excitement.

The room erupts when vocalist Terry Hall joins the band onstage to complete the song and bowl into other smash hits such as Nite Klub, Rudy, Rat Race, Too Much Too Young, Monkey Man and many more.

The atmosphere was the best I have ever experience at a live show. I couldn't walk to the bar or to the ladies without being pulled into a skanking circle - and I loved it! I have never felt so much love and acceptance in one room, all joined together by the sheer positivity and passion of The Specials.

Guitarist Lynval Golding highlights this message, taking to the mic and boldly shouting: "Let me tell you some history about Wolverhampton.

"Many years ago you gave us Enoch Powell, and we threw him back, you know why? Black lives matter. All lives matter. If we stand together we will be alright"

And stand together the crowd did through the heartfelt We Have All The Time In The World and Redemption Song dedicated to their lost band members John Bradbury and Rico Rodriguez.

It was moving beyond words to see the whole room sway and link arms to the loss of these talented musicians, and that was seen clearly on the emotionally-wrought faces of The Specials. I feel honoured to have spent that moment in their company.

The set came to its end with an upbeat rendition of Enjoy Yourself, with every set of feet leaping into the air with joy and drinks tossed in joy.

As The Specials offered their sincere thanks and themselves danced off the stage, everyone left the Civic Hall on a high. The new-look venue has officially been christened, possibly with the best show that the venue has seen to date.

By Becci Stanley