Specials shows doubt

Exclusive: Ska band reunion not definite yet

07 April 2008 - Following news that the original line up of The Specials were planning live shows later this year, Neville Staple from the band has said the hugely anticipated reunion is dependent on how the rehearsals sound.

The Specials MC and vocalist told the  Music Week how things are progressing:

“A couple of months ago we [all] started talking,” he explained. “We had to talk first to see if we could get on, but we got past the talking stage. Then we said, ‘ Okay, let’s see what we’re like in a room together rehearsing with instruments’.

“So the musicians done that first, then Terry [Hall – singer] went down. So we’ve had two rehearsals. One where they're on their own, and then the last one where me and Terry went in.

“We’re just seeing how it goes. If it gels, it gels. If it doesn’t, you don’t wanna go out there as some old geriatrics – not me. What we've got to do is make sure the music at least is right.

"If it works, we’ll do it"
- Neville Staple

“We’re feeling it out now. It sounded alright actually but it’s gonna take more than one rehearsal.

“So if it works, we’ll do it. If not, well. I’m sorry lads and girls. But we’re trying.”

As for the possibility of the band returning to the studio to work on new material, Staple explained it is the last thing on their mind.

He said: “That’s too quick. Nah, we ain’t touching that. I’m not gonna big this up. If we do a few more rehearsals and it doesn’t seem like it’s gelling, we ain’t gonna do it because it’d be pointless.

“Y’know you don’t want them going, 'Oh God! Seen them the other day, the old fogies!’ So we’ve gotta get it right."

To hear this interview in full, listen again to the Music Week or check out the latest podcast.

Matt Everitt / Kelly Stooke