Pop Break Live: The Specials at The TLA in Philadelphia
Words & Photos by Willy Mellott
Fans of all ages lined South Street in Philadelphia waiting to enter The TLA for a sold out show with The Specials. The legendary ska band was in town as part of their “Encore” tour celebrating the band’s 40th anniversary. It was also the first time since 2013 that The Specials made it to Philadelphia.
Awaiting the band’s arrival to stage, concert goers, many dressed in black and white checkered clothing, could be heard chanting “rude boys,” a term used to describer fans of 2-tone ska music. Backing the stage were protest signs reading everything from “Power to the people” to “Fight ignorance not immigrants.” The lights dimmed and the band took the stage.
Even though the band is celebrating it’s 40th anniversary, only three original members remain — Horace Panter on bass, Lynval Golding on guitar, and lead singer Terry Hall. Of the three, Golding was the most energetic and entertaining. He was constantly moving around the stage and interacting with other band mates as well as audience members in the front row. He also played harmonica to start off fan favorite, “A Message to You, Rudy.”
A highlight of the night for most in attendance was one of the band’s hit songs “Nite Klub.” Panter’s bass lines had the crowd bopping their heads and dancing around on the floor. Other songs that had the crowd dancing and singing along included “Monkey Man,” “Concrete Jungle,” and “Too Much Too Young.” One thing I noticed was that there was no over the top lighting or production value. The night was just about their music which paved the way and influenced so many ska-punk bands following in The Specials’ footsteps.
Setlist:
Man at C&A
Rat Race
Do Nothing
Vote for Me
Friday Night, Saturday Morning
Embarrassed by You
Blank Expression
Doesn’t Make It Alright
The Lunatics Have Taken Over the Asylum (Fun Boy Three cover)
Blam Blam Fever (The Valentines cover)
A Message to You, Rudy (Dandy Livingstone cover)
Stereotypes
10 Commandments (featuring Saffiyah Khan)
Nite Klub
Do the Dog (Rufus Thomas cover)
Concrete Jungle
Monkey Man (Toots & The Maytals cover)
Gangsters
Too Much Too Young
Encore:
Breaking Point (instrumental)
Ghost Town
You’re Wondering Now (featuring Saffiyah Khan The Skatalites cover)
