Members
Select a The Specials band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.
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About
The Specials are a seminal English band known for pioneering the ska revival movement in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Originating from Coventry, England, the group originally consisted of Terry Hall (vocals), Jerry Dammers (keyboards), Lynval Golding (guitar, vocals), Roddy Radiation (guitar), Horace Panter (bass), John Bradbury (drums), and Neville Staple (vocals, percussion). Their music is a vibrant mix of ska, punk, and rocksteady, characterized by its energetic rhythms and socially conscious lyrics. The Specials quickly rose to fame with hits like "Ghost Town" and "A Message to You, Rudy," leaving a lasting impact on both the ska and punk music scenes.
How to Sound Like The Specials
The Specials' sound is a dynamic fusion of upbeat, rhythmic grooves and raw, energetic punk edges. Their music often features clean, punchy guitar lines that dance over a solid brass section, creating a sound that is both infectious and socially engaging. Guitars like the Fender Telecaster and Gibson Les Paul Junior Special P-90 contribute to their bright, crisp tone, while the Vox AC30 Guitar Combo Amp captures the essence of their live energy with its rich, tube-driven warmth. Bass lines played on instruments like the Gibson Thunderbird IV offer a deep, driving foundation that complements the rhythmic skank of the guitar and the lively brass, making their sound both irresistibly danceable and emotionally resonant.
Discography
The Specials (Deluxe Version)
1979
Too Much Too Young (Live)
1980
More Specials (Deluxe Version)
1980
In the Studio (2002 Remaster)
1984
Live at the Moonlight Club
1992
King of Kings
1993
Too Much Too Young
1996
A Special Collection
1999
Stereo-Typical: A's, B's & Rarities
2000
BBC in Concert (15 December 1979)
2009
More... Or Less: The Specials Live
2012
Guilty 'Til Proved Innocent! (Expanded Edition)
2018
Encore (Deluxe)
2019
Protest Songs 1924 – 2012
2021
Get the The Specials Sound
Want to sound like The Specials? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.
