Coventry Music Museum Curator Pete Chambers BEM writes for the Observer.
COVENTRY’S very own Legendary Rude Boy – Doctor Neville Staple, from The Specials, Fun Boy Three and Special Beat, and his wife, Sugary Staple, our ‘Modern Day Lady Godiva’ will hit the Queen of Flanders Stage, at the Assembly Festival Gardens on July 18, 2021.
It is part of a huge celebration performance for Coventry UK City of Culture 2021 events and the 40th Anniversary of Ghost Town.
This really is a gig not to be missed, the band and the venue as well as the occasion all adds up to one amazing concert. Ska is a huge part of Coventry and its sound, so it’s great to see City of Culture celebrating one of Coventry’s icons.
At a recent visit to the Ghost Town to Host Town exhibition, at the Coventry Music museum at The 2-Tone Village, Neville said he cannot wait to perform right in the heart of the City Centre.
“After such a tough year for so many, it will be such a buzz to lift everyone up with a super nostalgic and fun show, direct to the people of Coventry.
“We will perform hit songs like Ghost Town, A Message to You and other top ska classics. This will be a party for the city I live in and love.
We need to be proud of our diverse culture and proud of what we have.
“Let’s celebrate our achievements together.”
Sugary was equally excited.
She said: “We really can’t wait. This will be only our third show in 19 months, as we lost 122 gigs and 52 appearances, since the Covid restrictions began.
“So many Coventry friends and fans, who see us involved in all kinds of community activities, keep asking when we will be performing a home show.
“Well now is the time my darlings!
“And we will be right in the backdrop of our beautiful heritage buildings, including the Coventry Cathedral, Council House, the Herbert Gallery and many more.
“Last month I rode through there on horseback with 13 other beautiful Modern Day Lady Godiva’s, as part of the huge and wonderful Coventry Moves Day, this time I will be singing and dancing with Neville and the band. Fantastic!”
In the run up to the show, the ska couple, who have just recorded a brand-new album and a music video at the Canal Basin, will be doing special event openings, school visits and engagements.
These include a performance event with the Sowe Valley School children, donating exclusive artwork to Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice auction, and promoting the Coventry Haven, both charities they regularly support.
They are also touring the UK and filming various documentaries in and around Coventry for the BBC and ITV.
Visit www.fromthespecials.com for more information.
