The Ska Blues
Well done Coventry City Football Club and their forward-thinking decision to introduce a superb 2-Tone-based third kit from a suggestion by fan Roger Smith.
I have been in on this since last Christmas, but was sworn to secrecy. I was lucky enough to be at the launch night with Neville & Christine Staple, Selecter legend Neol Davies and 2-Tone designer John Simms. John designed the Nutty Dancer 2-Tone man that graces the rear of this football gem.
Already the amazing black and white chequered kit is flying off the shelves with many football fans of other persuasions admitting that they will buy this iconic kit. Many are declaring this is the best football kit ever!
On the night, I was honoured to make a short speech, I said in my opinion this city is not great at joining things up, with so many working apart rather than together.
This shirt is a perfect example of what you can achieve when you do work together.
The shirt encapsulates three great Coventry traditions: Our football club, 2-Tone music and multiculturalism as the shirt is also part of the ‘Kick It out’ tackling racism & discrimination campaign. Well done the Ska Blues.
Jacqui & Joe
Here is a concert that is sure to appeal to true music lovers in the city. The Belgrade is hosting an event by two legends of 1960s and 70s progressive folk and rock in Jacqui McShee (Pentangle) and Joe O’Donnell (East of Eden, Headstone).
Both will perform with their bands, at the Belgrade Theatre B2 Coventry on October 26. Tickets £16 (£14 concessions) Box office: 02476 553 055 www.belgrade.co.uk
For Delia
On October 18 as part of the Deliaphonic x Boudica project The Herbert Art Gallery and Museum present Stealing Sheep’s Wow Machine plus Jerry Dammers DJ Set.
Liverpool electro-pop trio Stealing Sheep present a theatrical-musical-dance-art spectacular, in tribute to Coventry’s electronic music pioneer Delia Derbyshire.
Expect a hexagonal stage, sci-fi sunglasses, and sparkly suits with admiration for Delia, followed by 2-Tone Godfather Jerry Dammers.
At this event, rather than playing ska and reggae, Jerry will be exploring other areas in which he has developed a reputation as a DJ, playing 60s 70s and 80s “library” music – originally made as “off the shelf” background music for films or TV programmes, including some from Delia Derbyshire & the BBC Radiophonic workshop.
Later at Drapers the after-party will see Jerry play a revival set of ska, reggae and funk.
Ticket prices: Boudica ticket holder – £12, Boudica concessions ticket holder – £10, regular advance – £15, regular concessions – £12
Album Day Results
On October 12, The Coventry Music Museum announced the results of their vote to find visitors’ favourite track from the first Specials iconic self-titled album.
The top five were: 5.Monkey Man, 4.Concrete Jungle, 3.A Message To You Rudy, 2.You’re Wondering Now and number one.. Nite Klub (I won’t dance in a club like this etc).
The 40-year-old album is now available as a double vinyl release with the records running at 45RPM speed for amazing quality and definition. This first album never sounded so good on vinyl.
