Verso Gig Reviews
The first gig of the year and what a way to kick it off. Neil, Hammy and I made a Friday pilgrimage to the capital, complete with a hearty pre-show dinner at The Argyll Arms and some pre-gig anticipation. Destination: the legendary 100 Club for a night of 2-Tone nostalgia.
The Venue: A London Institution
For those unfamiliar, the 100 Club isn’t just another stop on the tribute band circuit—it’s a living monument to music history. Nestled in the heart of Oxford Street, this basement venue has played host to everyone from Muddy Waters and BB King to The Sex Pistols, Oasis, and Blur. It’s a rare space where musical legacies converge and where the ghosts of gigs past still linger in the walls.
The Band: The Specials Ltd.
Tribute bands can sometimes be hit or miss, but The Specials Ltd. consistently prove they are cut from something a little finer. Frequently billed as the UK’s leading tribute to the 2-Tone pioneers, they carry the swagger, sound, and spirit of The Specials with remarkable authenticity.
This night held even more significance as it marked the 45th anniversary of the ska anthem Too Much Too Young, and the crowd—spanning generations—knew they were in for something special.
The set list pulled no punches, opening with the timeless Gangsters, which instantly set the tone. High-energy, tight musicianship, and frontman charisma in spades. From the playful ska of A Message to You, Rudy to the haunting echoes of Ghost Town, every track was delivered with conviction and soul. Crowd favourites like Rat Race, Monkey Man, and Nite Klub brought the floor to life with pogoing, dancing, and the occasional nostalgic tear.
Even for those wary of tribute acts, this was no mere imitation. It was a celebration. A revival. A reminder that great songs, when performed with respect and passion, never fade.
The Verdict
The Specials Ltd. were as close as many will ever come to experiencing the joy, energy, and political bite of the original Specials in their prime. In the intimate, sweaty surroundings of the 100 Club, they took us on a journey—back to smoky dancehalls, Fred Perry shirts, and unity through music.
Post-gig, we continued our night with a few more beers, a sit-down Chinese, and a long, reflective wander through London’s late-night streets. Our own little Trains, Planes and Automobiles caper couldn’t take the shine off what was a superb evening—and the perfect launchpad for another year of gigs and good company.
