Two-Tone and Ska’s HUGE Influence on Music

[@Producelikeapro]

What period of music had a huge influence on you? Let me know below!

[@valium-fm7236]

The selector - die happy .

[@marienbad2]

"Ghost town" - it so accurately describes some of the UK's towns at that time. Also, regarding skinheads: Don Letts has a fantastic documentary about the Skinhead culture and how it started as kids into Reggae and then became right wing. It's on KZbin and well worth a watch.

[@danaschmitz5490]

Probably 'Gangsters' by the Specials

[@iancarr8682]

OMD - Enola Gay

[@toddgreenwood9631]

Oh man, you break my heart. Nostalgic period for me. I was 18 in 1980, trying to survive out on my own. I had a car, a sleeping bag, an acoustic and an electric and with my first construction job paycheck bought a high quality JVC portable stereo/cassette recorder with AM/FM/short wave and was able to discover Maddness. (all from the blandness of the Canadian praries where there just wern't a lot of punk clubs. When I bought vinyl I'd have to crash at a friends place who had a stereo so I could transfer newly acquired treasures to cassette. I didn't know what was Ska or TwoTone or Rock Steady, I just thought it was all amped up Reggae. Had to learn some British words though. The Specials taught me the word "Nappie". I remember not knowing what a nappie was but figured it out because of their lyrics. Wonderful piece man.

[@1_5RCBiker]

Ghost Town is for me the greatest breakthrough song of ska. It defined what was happening. The haunting echoey Trumpet solo just defines urban decay of the early 1980s. Shite explanation but it was just THAT good! I still listen to it 40 years later so it shows how good it is.

[@JC-zw9vs]

By the time Ghost Town came out 2 Tone genre had already peaked.

[@janedoe6350]

@@JC-zw9vs No, the peak came with Nelson Mandela. Jerry Dammers changed the world with his musical arrangements.... I never did get my free Nelson Mandela though! I didn't have anywhere to put him anyway.

[@JC-zw9vs]

@@janedoe6350 nah Nelson Mandela can't be called ska.

[@janedoe6350]

@@JC-zw9vs OK, i'll give you that... it's Soca or soul calypso as some call it. Jamaica had Ska while Barbados had Soca... but this video is called "Two-Tone and Ska’s HUGE Influence" and ska revival was just one big melting pot anyhow. Still love it

[@jemwand2530]

I think it depends where you live. 2 Tone hit the UK like a well deserved bullet. Ghost Town was, I believe , the last single by the original Specials line up, so it was more like it's final death rattle. When I say that, I mean it was the Specials going out with bang, at the top of their game.

[@FatNorthernBigot]

Two-tone was genuinely inclusive and musically vibrant. In so many ways, we need more two-tone right now.

[@Producelikeapro]

Very well said!

[@zatransis]

Ska (and specifically Two-Tone) is alive and well. We could always use more, but a little digging and you’ll find a ton of bands in this genre.

[@rayhoughton8046]

Fucking x factor wankers put a stop to all this. There's no free licence for bands nowadays.

[@infojunkie4989]

Lots of offbeat/upbeat ‘skank’ in some house/techno too. Another era where there was a lot of diversity and inclusivity in the scene. Maybe the skank is magical that way? It does encourage a bounce that’s for sure!

[@autisticautomaton]

I'd recommend Bad Operation from New Orleans, Catbite from Philly, and Jer from Gainesville Florida.

[@jemwand2530]

Terry Hall has to be one of the most underrated British vocalists, his ability to transition from barking social comment, to cynical put down and then to fragile sensitivity is amazing. Also he collaborated with so many other artists, from Colourfield to Lightning Seeds, Sinead O'Connor, Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Gorillaz and of course Amy Winehouse. I was truly saddened to hear of Terry's passing because he and the Specials were such a big influence on both my youth and my musical journey.

[@johnfowler4820]

Well said. R.I.P. Terry Hall

[@wbertie2604]

It was an attitude, full of social comment, downbeat in his personal style. It worked very well with Golding and Staple there too, both for the vocal contrast but also the differences and juxtaposition of stage personas.

[@Producelikeapro]

I'm a huge Specials and Terry Hall fan. For my birthday my wife got me a signed photo of the band, I will treasure it as I treasure every memory I have of them! Incredible music.

[@Producelikeapro]

@@johnfowler4820 Yes, R.I.P Terry Hall

[@Producelikeapro]

@@wbertie2604 yes, agreed 100%

[@midnightAlchemistOfficial]

I've been a lifetime fan. I was 16 in 1979 and one day I dropped into "Sam the Record Man" music store in Calgary Alberta. The manager there was from Manchester UK and living in Calgary at the time. The manager had brought in many "UK imports and had copies playing while we were shopping in the store. It was because of this store manager that I became a huge fan of the 2nd wave ska sound and also fell in love with punk and the waves coming across the pond. To this day I still listen to the Specials and many others and know how special this music was and still is today. RIP Terry Hall.

[@DadCanInJapan]

Same age. I was in Toronto, though. Sams was the best for great music.

[@lyniseuk]

Well said Warren. You brought a smile to my face and a slight tear to my eye. I was black 15 year old kid back then, and I loved that period. Seeing black and white working class kids having so much fun together, making great music, touched a nerve with me. It was so empowering. Thank you ☺

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for the great comment! I really appreciate hearing your experience of that period, it means a lot

[@a3lfeoxld]

As a Brit who was born in 1969, I was 10/11 when 2 Tone got big and it was a game changer for me. This was the first musical movement I fell in love with and still love it to this day. Like you, I tried my best to dress like a little rude boy and was so proud when I got a Harrington jacket

[@johnfowler4820]

Me too, we are the same age. What I see around me in my west midlands city makes me realise how much we need a movement like two tone to "comment" on our "social" situation.

[@wbertie2604]

The clothes were important as they announced that you were for social solidarity and anti-racism.

[@rachelkear3657]

Same! I was 11 when 2-Tone exploded in 79-80. It was a total game-changer.

[@MarcelGomesPan]

I remember loving it. I am Swedish but 2 Tone and Ska was clearly a thing here too. I remember buying the albums and singles with their distinctive design. I am 58 now and still listen to it now and again ( quite often actually ). I was heartbroken hearing about Terry. Such an iconic part of my early 80’s. RIP Terry and thanks for all the music. 🎶

[@EdwardJamesCrockford]

I expressed the same "Proud to be a Gen X:er" feelings almost verbatim (and probably with the same hand and body movements too) to my teenage daughter a few days ago, how there was so much amazing diversity in music at the time - even mentioned the same bands! Great time to get into music. Nice video - and timely tribute to Terry Hall.

[@guitboxgeek]

Gotta love our parents for their efforts to make us happy when we were kids despite their purse, eh? Great vid as always, Warren and team.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Chris!

[@glenjohnson4239]

going to school in non frank wright loafers.....but polished cheap loafers.....memories!. luckily i've toured all my life in a punk band....but still get a warm homely feeling when i see someone at a gig with a trilby!

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Glen for sharing that! Very cool

[@GrexKhusan]

Oh dear... can I like this video multiple times.. like 100 times? This music is so important to me. My sister had Madness on a cassette. I listened... and that was it. I was hooked. Later we even had a ska-rock band with my friends! In some interview one of the band members of Madness said that they barely were able to play all the songs when recording the first album. They just did not have the skills yet. Doesn't really show.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate your wonderful comment!

[@GS-uy4xo]

Your unscripted commentary near the end was absolutely fantastic - I really learned a lot. I’m a music teacher teaching in China and my students have been working on reggae and it’s history. They love love love ska and I’ll use this video to reinforce how important this period is. We’ve been playing “A message to Rudy” and even though they’re a bit shy they sang this while playing and then danced while singing a cappella - it was shocking and really powerful. When I told them about Terry’s death they were very emotional and we vowed to play this for our end of year performance. Thank you for this video!!

[@MSmith-Photography]

Thank you for honouring the genre and to Terry. It was an early music influence in my life. It was odd compared to the popular music of the day and I was odd compared the the popular kids of my day.

[@scottkaye7932]

I've been into Ska since High School days ,late 70s. I still love it and always will. Thanks for an excellent view.

[@TartanSax]

I was really moved by your passion for this period in our musical history. I was 13 in 79 and hugely influenced by Two Tone,ska and Reggae I remember going with my mum to Glasgow to by a suit with skinny trousers and lapels,a Two Tone tie and some black and white spats like Paul Weller wore;I felt like the Bees Knees,it was also an introduction in to Soul,Jazz and other Genres,which led me to becoming a Musician,I thank you for you honesty and passion

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much Jimmy! I really appreciate your wonderful comment

[@Lefteye1239]

Awwwww loved this … and you said it with passion and truth .. as a 55 yr old Cov kid i was there and it was such an exciting time .. and so was seeing them for the first time that was the best gig ever waited over thirty years to see them at it was AMAZING RIP Terry Hill 🙏🏾 from a old coventry Rude Girl

[@roger_rivas]

Tell them bout it Warren! These genres are my life. Thank you for shining a light on this whole story. Longtime fan here.

[@lucianoriva6979]

Maaaaan i love your songs. Huge influence on my keyboard playing. Cheers from Peru.

[@Producelikeapro]

Roger, what an honour! I love your band! The Aggrolites Rule!

[@louisbek1443]

Really enjoyable video. I was 15 in ‘79 and can relate to everything you say. Also, I was living just north of Cov at the time and so was immersed in the whole 2-Tone scene. As you mention, I think the most amazing aspect of that period from ‘76 to ‘80 was the speed in which all these genres of music started to appear. I saw Sparks as an 11 year old at Coventry Theatre in ‘75 (my first live gig) as I had my music education from listening to my older brother’s record collection at the time… Prog Rock, Rock and Glam… Then came Punk, then Ska, then New Wave and by the time I was 16 the New Romantics had arrived. An eclectic decade to be sure…

[@paulwilliams3264]

This bloke is absolutely spot on. This top class music will never be repeated. The music of today is not a patch on the music back then... That's why my jukebox is full of SKA 2TONE!! R. I. P. Terry❤.

[@Producelikeapro]

Aw shucks! Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate it

[@studiosouthturn]

When I was in my early teens I was introduced to MADNESS. That blew me away. We had a couple of bands here in Sweden too, with huge influences from british ska. Dag Vag is one of them. It was a couple of years later I discovered Specials, Clash and others. Thank you for yet another awesome video. One Love!

[@garethde-witt6433]

Terry was a legend he will be missed.

[@Producelikeapro]

Yes, he certainly will

[@leefchapman]

I love how concise this was, yet in-depth enough to give a great sense of just how incredible it was at the time. I was born later but I can definitely say the resonance of the impact on my parents was felt by me!

[@Lafundicionsonora]

all this revival music blew me up. I was 10 and the madness complete album enter at my home and it was the first album that all my family like at one. My mum included! So fresh and funny with an extra quality alternative style. Then came the others by specials and selecter, what a new sound!!Lov it.And it opened my mind, really. Fan till then, and still! Really . Lyrics, music and social involvement. It changes not just Britain, here in Barcelona it was a great push too for a lot of young people.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing your experiences

[@witch_haunts_ghost]

This was such a great video. Thank you so much, Warren. I especially loved your reflections at the end. I'm a Gen X-er as well (an Australian) and the run-off effect of those bands reached us (slowly but surely). I had a lot of rudy friends back in the day and used to go to a lot of mixed genre clubs - where they would play punk, goth, post-punk, mod and ska and we'd all be dressed up in our sub-culture and hang out together. It was a great time for music. Terry Hall was so amazing and I loved the stuff he did later on with artists like Massive Attack and Tricky. He will be missed. Our collective message to that Rudy is that he was loved and respected.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much! I really appreciate it!

[@grahamtaylor6883]

That monologue gave me goosebumps. Well done Warren, you summed it up perfectly. I'm a similar age to you and that time period was 'Special' (excuse the pun). SKA was the backdrop of music for me. I went for the whole skin head, braces, 14 hole boot look. Doc Martins were the boot of choice, but like you, my parents couldn't afford them, so I ended up with Sargeant Peppers, which were a cheaper version. I went to see The Specials in Wales in 2016 with my partner. She's only in her 30's and from Lithuania, but absolutely loves SKA. It was for her 30th birthday that we went. What a night! We stood off to the side for the first two tracks and then I looked at her and said, "this is not good enough, we need to be in the mosh pit". So off we went. When the night finished, I looked like I'd been swimming. I had to drive back to Yorkshire with no shirt on as it was absolutely drenched. It couldn't have been any better. RIP Terry Hall. he never really looked like he wanted to be on stage, but that dead pan persona just added to it.

[@cejay67]

Amazing video. I was born 67 and this period was huge. I live in Australia now and one of my close friends here is also from the UK, born same year. When Terry died we spent a good hour just messaging each other in tears. No one here would know or understand just how important that time and period was, the social upheaval, race riots and general despair that filled the air. To hear you talk at the end brought more tears to me. Thank you so much for being so passionate and for expressing so well what I cannot.

[@ottodidakt3069]

3 seconds of The Gangster and my day is already made. This was an honest well done vid, thanx for that and RIP Terry Hall !

[@VictorRochaGaming]

Born and raised in So Cal. The English ska bands hit us like a ton of bricks. I gotta add Steel Pulse in there too. True Democracy in '82 was the butter frosting on top of the cake. Great era for music.

[@gregorybennett2109]

Yes! Steel Pulse was grest

[@TheEyrie]

It was the soundtrack to my child years. Still love the sound, energy and message it brings

[@lornawillockify]

Grew up near Cov. The specials felt like our mates as kids. The lads will always be my hero's. Still in me Harrington at 47 😎

[@johnsmithers5044]

I only spent a few years in the UK and was a teenager at the time.Those years were 1979-1982......god,was I lucky.

[@peterhansen5804]

That light is still shining... and may it soon brighten - :-)

[@jazzingforbluejean]

My absolute favorite time in music history. I was gutted about Terry’s death. Thank you for the heartfelt video. All these seminal songs are the soundtrack of my life. Love this♥️!

[@Kkidzz]

Terry’s solo albums are my faves. Working with Ian Broudie on ‘Home’, they created a pop masterpiece.

[@Producelikeapro]

Terry was a force of nature, incredible talent!

[@lilcwa]

Superb documentary, commentary, and tribute

[@janedoe6350]

I grew up in Coventry in the late 70s and early 80s. What an education. I would go to clubs where Punks, Skin Heads and Rastas would all hang out together. Wonderful days.

[@Producelikeapro]

That’s amazing. Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@janedoe6350]

​@@Producelikeapro"That's what my heart yearns for now. Love & Pride". We had something very special back then... thanks for making this video, you had me in tears watching it. Very emotional. I sensed your passion. BTW, you dun alf look like Lux Interior of The Cramps... Cool!

[@richfish101]

Good man, about time we had a 2Tone episode.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much

[@richfish101]

@@Producelikeapro great video, but I’m wondering who Clive Longer is 😉 and guitarist John Bradbury?? 😂

[@Broken-Silencer]

So glad you brought this up. I'm gutted like so many people about Terry Hall's passing. I'm also so glad that he lived.

[@taxus750]

Thank you Warren: not just for honouring Terry Hall but also highlighting Two-Tone and ska. When the Pistols' "Never mind the Bollocks" came out I was 16; when Two-Tone happened I was 19. I came from what you might call a sheltered background and the advent of both punk and Two-Tone (not to mention New Wave) really did open my mind. Of all the music from the late 70s, Two-tone/ ska is still my favourite.

[@gizmogearloose3391]

This episode, and Warren's end comments pretty much encapsulate the other part of my musical childhood. When I wasn't listening to Queen, Cheap trick, Crystal Gayle, or Rod Stewart, I was learning rhythm guitar from Lynval Goulding from The Specials, Dave Wakeling from the Beat, and Neol Davies from The Selecter....Many thankd for posting this, and a prayer for Specials front-man Terry Hall...Big Up!

[@amarnaitaissa5290]

Merci pour ce document qui brièvement montre cette cette période magique. Personnellement en France🇨🇵 à Paris j ai entendu le 1ere fois en début 79 le mot ska, que j écrivais sqa car l animateur n avait pas donné l écriture du mot. J ai rapidement acheté les 3 black and White albums, 1st The Selecter, the Specials and Madness. J ai été touché par la musique et les paroles immédiatement. Je devenais moi aussi un rude boy. Quelques mois après, un ami me parlait d'un 4e groupe...the Beat. Ce fut un autre choc et ce groupe devint mon favori. J ai fait ,par la suite des émissions de radios libres sur le ska, et j ai joué dans un groupe de ska 80' s francais "les Frelons." J ai maintenant 60 ans et la joie que tu communiques à la fin de ton documentaire, je l' ai toujours moi aussi. Mille fois merci pour ces commentaires. Je finirai en faisant un hommage aux disparus. Terry ,il y a quelques jours, Winston des Bad Manners il y a peu si proches des 2 Tone, Ranking Roger et Saxa de the Beat et Brad et Rico des Specials. Love and unity as said Roger.

[@OriginalSkaMan]

I was 12 in 1979 instantly hooked

[@Producelikeapro]

Well said!

[@mypl510]

I went from trying to grow my hair long to getting a Crew Cut, Flat Top, while I was in High School. Man, my friends teased me to no end, until they heard SKA and finally got it. It was such a great time, and it felt great to have our moment in music. Miss those days. RIP Terry Hall, and thanks for the music!

[@dwtn81]

When The Specials appeared on Saturday Night Live is when I became a fan. Rest Easy, Mr. Hall

[@Producelikeapro]

Absolutely! I'm looking that up now!

[@gregorybennett2109]

I was so thrilled when I saw this on SNL live! My parents were amused at my excitement

[@stuartbrown3008]

What a passionate end! I remember some mates singing Baggy Trousers when I was in my last year at junior school. Hooked at that point. Just so much fun. The 80’s went bonkers. Stay press, grandad collars and Y cardigans…..all from the market! Remember the impact of Frankie goes to Hollywood too. Listen to it now, pure classic with a killer bass Gen x…..hard as nails and knows hue to party. Xx

[@gearoidgrace6962]

20:03 Just brought me right back to my youth, in 1979 I was always listening to my brothers reggae tunes and as an eight year old 2Tone was something we could call our own. Couldn’t get my head shaved at the local barbers because the barber feared the wrath of my mother 😂 so had to walk a couple of miles into Dublin city to get it done and the shoes, exactly the same story except at Christmas in 1981 I got fake docs because they were much cheaper. It was difficult to get good ska music here but eventually after saving money from a paper round in 1983 I was invited to go on a short holiday to England with an aunt. While there I wondered around on my own one day collecting great vinyls from all of the bands. Love the channel, great videos 👍🏻 RIP Terry ❤

[@clydekimsey7503]

Madness was my favorite of this genre since they were the most melodic. Afterwards, I got into original ska from the 60s

[@ケイリakaケモイ]

This video is fantastic, it's refreshing to hear someone do a deep analysis of what defined two-tone ska and its influences (especially how the basslines derive more from reggae than they do 60s ska!) I love it.

[@larskistudio]

Wow! Just amazing. Thanks so much for this video. It brings back a lot of wonderful memories. I've spent my teenage years completely captivated by the Two-Tone/Ska, Rude Boy music back in the 80s. I still got loads of albums, posters, magazine cuttings, badges etc. This genre of music made me who I am today. To be honest I never get tired of listening to ska and reggae. Sadly, we recently lost the vocalist from the Specials, Terry Hall, obviously, one of my idols. Thank you once again and happy new year.

[@darkdeity2012]

Ghost Town has been, since its release, one of those songs that perfectly encapsulates the experience of living in Britain - the run down areas where the big money never gets spent - and it's remained brilliant and relevant ever since and has never sounded dated. Two Tone, Ska and Punk have never been my main sources of musical preference, but I've loved that song since I was a kid and still play it regularly. It's amazing.

[@willblakely254]

When I was 13, I spent part of summer working on the staff of a camp. My tent mate had a cassette. Side one was “The Clash” by The Clash, side two was “Absolutely” by Madness Changed my life 😊

[@gregorybennett2109]

I love how you put your heart on your sleeve talking about all this and your admiration of Terry Hall. This music really touched people worldwide.

[@MichaelB-gi4lt]

Great piece Warren. Those who were there and knew about Two Tone will never forget it. Here in Canada, it wasn’t played on mainstream radio…but I was in high school at the time and my friends and I knew what was happening over in the UK. I consider myself lucky to live through this time. Your heartfelt memories also really shone a light on just how much music and musicians can influence our lives in such tremendous ways.

[@theselector4733]

Two Tone was the last truly exciting music & fashion genre. "All you Punks and all you Teds, National Front and Natty Dreads. Mods, Rockers, Hippies and Skinheads, keep on fighting till you're dead". RIP Terry. You were one of The GREATS!!!!!

[@aliendon73]

Who am I to say?. Who am I to say? Am I just a hypocrite, another piece of your b#ll$hit? Am I the dog that bit. The hand of the man that feeds it? True classic 'Do The Dog'

[@avroncotton]

Best video that was from the heart. I was 8 in '79. I remember the time and it was the worst of times and it was the best of times. I feel sorry for anyone who passed through that time who had money, because saving up to buy a single was a right of passage. Then playing it to death on my parents record player. I wish I could return to 1979 and take it all in. RIP Terry. You were the commentry of a generation.

[@MidnightBlueMovies]

I'm about 5 or 6 years older than you Warren. This episode really resonates with me. Growing up in the UK in that explosion of music in the 70's was amazing. From Slade to Ska all brilliant. There's a band I've never heard you mention. Slade, back in 73 were huge in the UK Cum on Feel the Noize. Squeeze Me, Please Me and the Christmas song of course. Happy days. 1976 the best summer ever. 🤩

[@willb1157]

Slade...the Sweet....but yeah....SLADE. 😍

[@gregdicrosta]

Love the personal story at the end! I was in a band at the leading-edge of the 3rd wave of ska, maybe in '92 or '93. We got to open/support for first wave bands like The Skatalites and Desmond Dekker, and 2nd wave groups like The Selector and The Toasters. Now I'm getting to work with some of these legends like The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and Less Than Jake!

[@JimmyBackbeat]

Tell me the name of your band... Did you listen to Guilty till proven innocent by the Specials? Christ, I'm usually not a 3rd wave guy but It's You, that's just a masterpiece....

[@gregdicrosta]

@@JimmyBackbeat Hey Jimmy- We were mostly a regional CT band. No one has ever heard of us!! 😄

[@SkaTuneNetwork]

Phenomenal video. Thank you for digging into this!

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thanks ever so much

[@kennethgreen2829]

Like you Warren 2 Tone was part of my youth and, certainly in the UK, it's importance as a label can not be over stated. Let's not forget other 2 Tone artists like The Beat, The Bodysnatchers and The Apollinaires. This is a wonderful and inciteful video and thank you for making it. RIP Terry Hall.

[@growlerthe2nd712]

I was 12 when the Specials split up, I was gutted and for weeks on end I kept thinking WHY, it just didn’t make any sense.

[@2001lextalionis]

Brought back some lovely memories. Growing up working class in NYC back in the late 70s was some tough love, but Two Tone really brought the passion out for kids like me. While the exact meaning of some of the messages weren't understood right away, the beat and the dancing were just so compelling. Once we understood the lyrics better, it became a statement for kids in the city to show their love for ska. So much going on in NY at the time. Rap and hip hop were just starting to go from local to mainstream too. Thanks for posting

[@dennispepperack2973]

Greetings from Tampa, Florida - grew up near Detroit, just shy of 15 I saw The Specials on Saturday Night Live & have been hooked ever since. In general, 1979 was such a seminal year for music in the UK - such a wide variety of bands/genres, don't think we'll ever see anything like it again. All the best to you in 2023!

[@asteroidmrecords]

Ayyy we've been waiting for ska to get some love! We're gonna have to go with the makers of that East Side Beat, The Toasters!

[@KellyDavidMusic]

I grew up in the same era, however I was one of the few young Canadian musicians that followed Ska and was influenced and moved by this amazing sound. Thank you my friend for a great tribute !

[@lewsdrumz7928]

Brilliant Video Warren! I'm 23 and love Ska so much I made a video like this on KZbin for University last term. This is definitely how I should have made mine. Brilliant work.

[@Producelikeapro]

Wow! Thanks ever so much

[@jonnuanez7183]

We didn't hear a lot of this in the U.S. until the 1980s, both with the advent of MTV, local video shows, and of college radio. KROQ might have played the bigger songs in the late 70s, but it wasn't until a few years later when they started taking off that they would play more of this, more Specials/Selecter/early Madness...and not just the hits but deeper cuts as well. There was a video show called MV3 in the early 80s out of L.A. Richard Blade and 2 others. This is where we got our New Wave and British music fix. In the mix of Duran Duran, Berlin, Culture Club, etc were videos of Ghost Town, Free Nelson Mandela, Message to Rudy, etc. The one that got me going from this genre was One Step Beyond. That used to get me moving. I still remember me and my friends yelling out the song's melody and walking in that formation lol. What a fun song! In later years, I wore out a cassette of The Specials' debut with Rudy, etc. Thanks for this one, Mr. Warren.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thank you so much for sharing! and for watching also.

[@EdEditz]

Ghost Town was actually the first single I ever bought. Music really had something to say back then. It wasn't just entertainment, it was part of your way of live, your 'Weltanschauung'. Everyone was in sort of a tribe back then and you dressed accordingly which made for great people watching when you were in town. I miss those times especially when I listen to music that's popular now. I get the idea that the generation that are teens now don't experience music the same way we did back then. I feel blessed to have been young at that time. Great memories to look back on. :)

[@v.oeynhausen5529]

Goosebumps. I'm your age, Warren and as you said this was a really unbelievable phase musically. For me the most important simply.

[@Kung_Fu_Jesus]

What with everything that has been going on in the UK over the last six years, 2-Tone and Ska needs to be back in the charts for social cohesion and to spread the word of peace, love and unity.

[@imaxeman69]

I love your passion about this. An excellent video about an underappreciated genre(s)

[@MRSCAREY1962]

I have been telling people for years that the best year in my living memory for music is 1979 - thank you for your affirmation! For me it was the year I started work, got a moped and first found my way in the World outside of home. Good times. RIP Terry!

[@michaelburggraf2822]

Those were the lead years in Germany because of the fear of terror attacks by the Red Army Fraction and heavy countermeasures by the state. Of course the other big issues were the cold war and nuclear energy. The 70ties seemed to drag me down constantly. Punk didn't really appeal to me. But then came The Specials and Madness and they blew me away. Admittedly I became aware of many other styles of music too suddenly - like The Police, Genesis, Peter Gabriel, Kate Bush, Boomtown Rats, Lynton Kwesi Johnson, Queen. Being interested in politics and history as much as in music that time had a massive influence on me. I'm deeply grateful for your video! Thank you so much for that.

[@Producelikeapro]

Such an amazing musical time! We were very blessed to grown up during that time, gives us a real perspective

[@BassStevie]

Really enjoyed this. Recently joined a Ska / 2-tone band (I play bass) and have been slowly learning the history.

[@millermusicnsound]

Aw absolutely loved this! I knew a lot about two tone already as it was the subject of my dissertation at uni! Well the evolution of ska from first to third wave but the main focus of it was on the two tone era as there was so much to discuss. Anyhoo this was brilliant and as you said what a time for music! All these bands had the biggest influence on one of my favourite bands of all time also No Doubt, that’s how my love for this music started. Just phenomenal 🖤🤍

[@conflictmagazine]

Good to see you geeking out over this music and era of music. I bought the first English Beat album in a video arcade just because of the cover and have been a Two Tone fan for life. It took me years to find other Ska material and then I remembered hearing original ska from my mother when I was like 5 years old. And then think about the explosion of music that occurred in the states…Times were hard but the music saw us through.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing!!

[@johntbd]

I did my first of I hope many Radio Programming shows last night. I played songs for three hours. The Specials Ghost Town was part of the mix. With a RIP message also. Thank You for this one. The song I played was from This Is Two Tone.

[@trevornokesmusicltd5357]

Warren, Excellent content as usual. I have passed on your Kind works for Terry to my wife to pass on to the Family (She is his Cousin). I Loved the 70's growing up in Birmingham, Hard but Good Times. All the best Warren. Trev.

[@stevenbrill9066]

HI Warren Although Bad Manners Weren't a part of the Two Tone scene They were a very successful band in their own Right They spent 111 weeks in the singles chart between 1980 1983 And were hugely popular on Tiswas They were a part of my childhood along with Madness Too young to understand the specials I was 5 in 1980

[@skadforlife3817]

Buster Bloodvessel showman, gentleman and legend ✊🏼♥️🕴 the undersea adventures of ivor the engine is one of my all time favourite skanking ska songs 🕴🕴 pick it up!

[@michaelmarshall9132]

I saw bad manners just before Christmas in Nottingham. They were fantastic

[@sanchopp]

Hi, I'm french and I was 12 in 1980 when I discovered The Specials, The Selecters and others. My friends and I were too young to wear suits like the Specials but we always loved how "élégant" they were dressed. Thank you for the video.

[@philipeccleston7773]

What a fantastic video, captured my youth perfectly. It was the time in my life that I loved the most, and "A Message to You Rudy" was the one song that remains with me always, at my lowest point, whilst sitting in a prison cell serving time, my mind wandered back to a Thursday Night - Top of the Pops - Rico begins to play and the words " Stop your messin around, gotta think of your future" keep going around in my head. Those words stuck with me, and I managed to change my life around, I am now a vicar, who loves to DJ and play those songs that mean so much to me, I have become friends with many of my idols from those days, and I am so grateful that I have had the chance to play alongside them too. Music is life - thank you Warren for all the memories.

[@waltjacob3776]

Loved your description of “your look” spot on rude boy. This music had a massive influence on my life, I went to the Two Tone tour back in 79 and I’ve been hooked ever since. Great times, Great music.

[@davidjazay9248]

Loved your commentary.

[@outtathyme5679]

The Selecter is way under appreciated

[@petehurd5301]

Ghost Town, such a huge record in my life. My doorway to so much... RIP Terry Hall.

[@Layla5067]

I was 15 in 1980 in Australia...I remember seeing the first Madness concert in my city and being absolutely amazed, and a fan ever since. What a wonderful time to be a teenager. It's hard to explain how fast the changes happened then. Thanks for a wonderful personal story and tribute to Terry.

[@curtisthomas2670]

Grew up in Trinidad and Tobago and was a fan of reggae which was very popular there, got introduced to 2tone/ska in the 80's through listening to the charts and hearing bands like Madness, Specials, Beat/English Beat, General Public, Clash etc. Been a fan ever since. Brings back memories of sitting by the radio on Saturday eagerly waiting to hear what new came out of England. For me the 80's is still the most diverse and exciting era for music.

[@gwaptiva]

Roughly same age as you in neighbouring country; grown up with classical music, got to secondary school and discovered Madness and ska, loved it, loved the dancing that went along with it, got One Step Beyond from Santa. So many good memories (and then someone played me Motorhead and my life took a different turn entirely).

[@Producelikeapro]

All of that resonates with me! Thanks ever so much for sharing

[@davidlloydjones752]

I doubt Terry would have had any conception of how he'll be missed. ✌

[@Producelikeapro]

That light be true, however, for many of us he was the voice of a generation

[@davidlloydjones752]

@@Producelikeapro Indeed,and I'm one of that generation. Your recalling of your desperate efforts to look Rude Boy cool rang so many bells. 😀

[@HitTheRoadMusicStudio]

I ABSOLUTELY Love Two-Tone Ska, thank you Warren for this wonderful wonderful episode!!!

[@sunlightpictures8367]

Ska was huge in Boston here in the US during the late 70s and early 80s. I loved The Specials, Madness, The Selecter and English Beat. I actually saw the Beat at BU backed up by REM in 1980 and at the Opera House backed up by The Bangels (if I remember correctly) in 1983. Great music.

[@Producelikeapro]

Thanks ever so much for sharing! I really appreciate it

[@ericgiova1663]

Excellent, I'm a bit older than you, I was 17 at the time. How do you separate music and society? Your description of the whole context of the time, united working class, absence of racism, common front in front of society, is absolutely incredible. Great changes in music, but also in society. (I learned to play bass by listening to "The Specials"! And other bands, let's be honest... This era was so dense!)

[@Banglish123]

I'm with you on the school uniform. I was 12 in 79 and we all wore our school ties with the skinny bit at the front and the wide bit stuffed in the shirt. Our blazers were buttoned up as high as possible with the use of button badges (mod roundels) and of course we all had the grey Stapress trousers white socks and slipper shoes.

[@Producelikeapro]

Fantastic, that’s exactly how I remember it too. Where did you grow up?

[@Banglish123]

@@Producelikeapro Norwich. At a Catholic school we stretched that uniform policy as far as we could. And as you say, you had the likes of Visage and Japan going on, the Jam etc I think 79/80 was possibly the highlight of popular music. Let's face it even Abba and Genesis weren't bad either. I love your videos just a shame you can't get away with a bit more music but that's the YT way. Cheers.

[@Producelikeapro]

@@Banglish123 agreed, incredible time for music! We were very lucky indeed

[@billym6445]

My dad got me into ska music when I was very young - maybe 10. How thankful I am for that

[@Producelikeapro]

Great Father!

[@egrono1]

Cheers! I think we're about the same age. I didn't discover 2Tone until 1983 when I was 14. I've been a huge fan ever since. I cried for hours when I heard about Terry's passing. I've been in 5 ska bands since 1987 and one of them is celebrating our 30th anniversary! Hoping to play London in the coming year!

[@Bluelagoonstudios]

Thanks for considering my suggestion in a video. Ska had a big influence in my life. And a lot of my fellow mates too. When I was 8 years old, I had a great stash of reggae albums. So Ska was refreshing reggae in our part of the world. In this period there happened a lot in music genres, like you mentioned, The Clash etc. I think those times will never happen again, if I hear the "music" nowadays. Heck, I remember playing the drums of the song "On My radio" on everything that could be used as a drum. Hehe.

[@andreasicco9558]

Thanks for this wonderful video, and the memories from your childhood! I grew up in Italy, also a Gen-X'r .. I remember seeing all these great bands on TV (we could watch The Tube programming back then as well) and can relate on being so affected by the 2-Tone look and sound.. a magical time indeed. I remember painting black and white checkers on my white shirt with a black marker, haha.. it was mostly DYI back then. Cheers, and R.I.P. Terry Hall.

[@groovedodger]

R.I.P Terry Hall he came to one of our gigs once when we played in Coventry we were supporting Carbon Silicon (Mick Jones Tony James etc.) he was very friendly and down to earth.

[@debisinclair3586]

Wow...I enjoyed this 100% Absolute facts and brilliant memories. In the 80's my friends all liked Simon Le bon and Tony Hadley etc...I liked Terry Hall and all my friends laughed...I didn't care. I wasn't a sheep and never have been. I wonder if they're wondering now or realising now that Terry Halls music and lyrics was and is far superior ..Perhaps they have now walked along a lonely Street or realised that they're working for the rat race...RIP Terry Hall...broke my heart when I heard the news.. Your music will most definitely live on forever. If you ever think of me I'll be thinking of you ❤️

[@asams7255]

Had the pleasure of seeing the specials live back in 2021, aboslutely brilliant performance and amazing atmosphere. Didn't appreciate how lucky I was to see him until recently