The first gig of the year saw Neil, Hammy and myself have a Friday in the capital. A spot of dinner at The Argyll Arms and then onto another new venue (for me) for the gig.
The Specials Ltd. are often hailed as the UK’s premier tribute to 2-Tone icons, The Specials. So when news of a gig at the iconic 100 Club surfaced, I knew I had to be there.
The 100 Club holds a special place in music history, being the oldest independent venue in the world. Throughout the decades, it has hosted legendary acts from a variety of genres, from blues greats like Muddy Waters and BB King to punk pioneers like The Sex Pistols and The Clash.
With a rich history of showcasing groundbreaking music scenes, the 100 Club was the perfect setting for The Specials Ltd. to pay homage to The Specials’ 45th anniversary of their hit ‘Too Much Too Young’. And let me tell you, they did not disappoint.
Despite any scepticism towards tribute bands (not from me), The Specials Ltd. brought the energy and essence of the original 2-Tone legends to life on stage. From the infectious energy of ‘Gangsters’ to the haunting melodies of ‘Ghost Town’, their performance was nothing short of stellar. It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of music to transport us back in time or introduce us to something new and exciting.
In conclusion, The Specials Ltd. proved that tribute bands can be a force to be reckoned with, allowing fans to experience the magic of iconic bands in a whole new light.
The day ended with more beers, a sit down Chinese and a walk round London into the early hours of Saturday. Our own version of Trains, Planes and Automobiles couldn’t dampen what was a fantastic start to what promises to be another year of quality music and company.