The Specials and Toots and The Maytals, Genting Arena, Birmingham - review

More than 14,500 people descended on the Genting Arena for the show, which saw the two bands share a stage for the first time ever; though the acts have 95 years in the industry between them.

Despite recent tragic events, the feeling among the audience was one of joy and elation as they basked in the sunshine awaiting the first of the two main acts. This was of course helped by the increased security measures in place, which saw everyone searched on entry and armed police standing at the exit as crowds left at the end.

First up were reggae icons Toots and The Maytals - one of the first acts to popularise the genre.

And they were incredible.

Frontman Toots Hibbert was charismatic and hilariously wacky throughout the set, shouting for fans to dance and chant along as he wowed with strong, velvety vocals.

Kicking off the set with upbeat hit Pressure Drop, the band set the tone for the evening with fast beats, stunning guitar and wonderful keys.

Song such as Monkey Man and Funky Kingston had fans dancing in the glorious weather, waving their arms and singing along to every word.

"I want everyone to dance," bellowed the passionate performer.

"Don't stop. Don't stop."

And with that, the Kingston band launched into a cover of Richard Berry's Louie Louie and hit 54-46, which seemingly sent waves of energy through the crowd as they wildly jumped and sang in response.

Next up were the main attraction: Coventry ska legends The Specials.

Opening their show with 1981 hit Ghost Town, they instantly had the crowd in the palm of their hand; as fans had already sang the first verse before frontman Terry had even graced the stage.

Hits came thick and fast throughout the show, as the band barely came up for air for the majority of their set.

A highlight of the show was a beautiful - and most poignant - rendition of Bob Marley's Redemption Song by guitarist and vocalist Lynval Golding, which he sang with the backing of just an acoustic guitar and later a violin.

The band then launched into a high energy performance of fan favourite A Message To You Rudy - which Lynval dedicated to Theresa May.

Following the same lines, Terry then announced the next song would be for Rolf Harris.

"Too Much Too Young?" Shouted a member of the crowd - to others' amusement.

But it was Monkey Man - a song which had earlier been performed by its creators Toots; but it went down a storm nonetheless.

Enjoy Yourself and, finally, Too Much Too Young came next before the show began to draw to a close.

Before finishing, Lynval praised Saffiyah Khan, the young girl pictured in the media standing up to the EDL.

"I was so proud of her," he beamed.

"Showing love is stronger than hate."

Maybe we can all learn a little from these two acts' messages in recent times.

A wonderful show, which felt more like a thrilling little festival than a gig. And one I would without doubt attend again.