CALLS for a ‘Specials Day’ in Coventry to pay tribute to the iconic band and its late, great frontman Terry Hall have been overwhelmingly backed by readers of the Observer.
The Specials helped to pioneer the 2-Tone movement when the genre exploded out of Coventry in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Last month, to mark to first anniversary of ‘Ghost Town’ singer Terry’s passing, the Observer revealed several of the city’s cultural community members had acknowledged the need for a Specials Day in the city.
These calls were backed by Coventry City Council leader Coun George Duggins, who said he was ‘more than happy’ to explore the possibility of a Specials Day, and local Conservative leader Coun Gary Ridley.
Readers have also taken to social media to express their desire for the idea to bear fruit.
In 2019, Los Angeles officially declared May 29 to be ‘The Specials Day’ to honour the 2-Tone icons.
Net Foreman said if they could have such a day in the United States it seemed crazy not to have one in the birthplace of both the Specials and the 2-Tone movement.
Jamie Townsend said: “The respect for Terry Hall and The Specials in the music industry is immense and so having a day like this is a no-brainer.
“The cathedral ruins are the perfect place for a one-day festival- bring it on.”
Beverly Brown also backed the idea and suggested turning it into a Ska and 2-Tone festival.
