Special live dates planned

One of the Midlands' best-loved bands are returning to live action next year, following a series of sell-out shows to celebrate their 30th anniversary.

Coventry's finest, The Specials, have announced a European and UK tour for Autumn 2011, and tickets go on sale at 9am on December 3.

Jonn Penney, from The Civic Hall, in Wolverhampton, said: "When The Specials kicked off the first night of their sold out 30^th Anniversary tour in April 2009 nobody could have realised just how incredible these live shows would be, and the utterly amazing reaction of fans around the world.

"The audiences were packed with music lovers who had waited since 1981 to revisit this stunning band alongside Specials 'virgins' who had never had the chance to see them live.

"When the curtains dropped and Terry Hall, Lynval Golding, Neville Staple, Roddy Byers, Horace Panter and JohnBadbury exploded on stage to 'Do The Dog' dancehalls up and down the country erupted with young and old stomping as if their lives depended on it."

The band toured the world following those dates, performing in 13 European countries, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

They played several festivals including a memorable Glastonbury appearance, Coachella in California and live TV appearances including Letterman in the US & Jools Holland's Later (not forgetting a joyous homecoming celebration at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry).

Mr Penney added: "The irony of The Specials heading out round the UK 30 years after the release of legendary number one hit single 'Ghost Town' will not be lost on people living in a country in turmoil facing the harshest cuts from a right wing government in a generation.

"However these shows will only reinforce their reputation for stellar live performances and reintroduce fans new and old to the classic songs from their legendary two albums."

Tickets will be available from www.wolvescivic.co.uk