The legendary 2-tone ska band, The Specials, preformed in LA for the second time in 30 years at Club Nokia on March 18th. Once the Lights dimmed the opening act, Little Hurricane, started roaring up. A fun duo putting a twist on old gritty blues. Don't let their female drummer, Celeste “CC” Spina fool you in her cute dress, she rocks harder than most. While Anthony “Tone” Catalno makes you melt with his soulful voice and slide guitar skills. Playing songs off their record “Homewrecker”. Gems like “Haunted Heart” and my personal favorite “Crocodile Tears”. Once they finished the venue was packed to the brim.
As the crowd cheers, their banner was presented and the members of The Specials come out, jumping into their first song “Do the Dog”. The whole club was moving, dancing, and singing. Everyone from the fans to the band were dressed to impress, from Fred Perry polos to flirty dresses. Even a few full suits. The band consisting of Terry Hall (vox), Roddy Radiation (lead guitar), Lynval Golding (rhythm guitar/vox), Horace Panter (bass), and John Bradbury (drums) kept the crowd going all night. The set list was full of favorites like “Too Much, Too Young,””Nite Klub,” and ”Friday Night, Saturday Morning.” Amongst the pit, fans got to rub elbows with No Doubt's Tony Kanal and Adrian Young. The energy maintained through the epic 22 song set list. Closing the set with “Enjoy Yourself”, the crowd begged for more. Terry Hall's witty humor at the end of the show made everything even better. Tossing teabags and half and half to the crowd sarcastically mentioning how he wanted to give everyone presents. Then proceeding with the encore of probably their most popular song “Ghost Town” with a real horn section instead of a recording. A truly magical night for any rudeboy or girl.
Set-list:
Do the Dog
(Dawning Of A) New Era
Gangsters
It's Up To You
Monkey Man
Rat Race
Blank Expression
Hey Little Rich Girl
Doesn't Make It Alright
Concrete Jungle
International Jet Set
Friday Night, Saturday Morning
Stereotypes
Man at the C&A
Do Nothing
Rudy, A Message to You
Nite Klub
Enjoy Yourself
-Encore-
Ghost Town
-Encore II-
Guns of the Navarone
You're Wondering Now