Thirty years ago today, 2 Tone ska kings The Specials released their landmark single ‘Ghost Town,’ a haunting soundtrack to England’s early-’80s economic despair and civil unrest. Check out several video version of the unforgettable U.K. No. 1 hit.

The Specials will continue their reunion in 2011 with a ‘lengthy tour’ that will feature the band performing its self-titled 1979 debut and its 1980 follow-up ‘More Specials’ back-to-back, frontman Terry Hall told a Manchester, England, audience last Friday.

Blaming the ever-popular ‘visa issues,’ reunited 2 Tone ska kings The Specials today pulled the plug on their free concert next month in New York City’s Central Park — but announced plans to ‘return to the U.S. in early 2011 for additional dates.’

Returning to American TV for the first time in 30 years, The Specials last night performed their 1979 single ‘A Message to You, Rudy’ on ‘Late Night With Jimmy Fallon’ — and a second tune, ‘Little Bitch’, exclusively for the show’s website.

Reunited 2 Tone ska legends The Specials have announced a second U.K. tour this fall as part of the band’s 30th anniversary celebration — a […]

After a series of half-baked attempts over the years — Special Beat, anyone? — the near-complete reunion of 2 Tone ska legends The Specials finally […]