Comments on: The Specials – Olympia Theatre, Dublin

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 22:43:28 +0000

Truly fantastic gig – how often do you go to a gig where the place erupts when the band hit the stage and stays ‘erupted’ for the next 90 minutes without going even a little flat at some point?

I was also one of the perry-shirted middle-aged men who remembers the Specials at the beginning – I grew up in the English midlands at the same time and could relate to everything they ever did.

I was surprised at the number of 20 somethings who also knew all the songs though – I guess good music will always be timeless.

Rock-on Rudy

By: Kevin le Belge

Kevin le Belge — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:46:31 +0000

Yep, decent review in the end of a truly amazing gig (I was at the Sunday show) in a simply magnificent venue.

I say ‘in the end’, because you still haven’t corrected the ‘Fred Berry’ typo in the first para. Or have you left it in to see if your itinerant readers are paying proper attention?

No arguments though re. the slightly portly men wearing the (ahem) ‘Perry’ tops.

I should know: I was one of ‘em.

By: Brian

Brian — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:19:21 +0000

Specials were incredible. Band sounded and looked fantastic and Terry Hall’s voice hasn’t aged a day. He sounds exactly as he did in 1981. Too many classics too mention and they still sound fresh. Olympia crowd on its feet from the off. Last time this band played Dublin, it was at the ill fated Stardust in Artane. How many years ago that seems now. Makes their return all the more incredible. Always political, their lyrics are, sadly, particularly relevant once again

By: Phil Udell

Phil Udell — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:36:15 +0000

Thanks for the points Keith, mistakes amended. Blame it on a late night and enthusiasm to get this review written and on-line.

By: Keith

Keith — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 11:06:58 +0000

Nice review of a superb gig. A couple of glaring inaccuracies though ;

There was 7 original Specials, and this tour has 6 of them on stage.

They do not have a song called “worst excuse in the world”. The song you’re referring to is called “Doesn’t make it alright”

Terry Hall was slightly more animated in the early days whereas Robert Smith was always stoney faced…The comparisons which have been around for years are more to do with the fact they actually look like each other…and Hall sported a “Curehead” in his Fun Boy three days.

By: Manuel

Manuel — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 23:53:02 +0000

I served Terry Hall one night….the man was pure class and tips tremendously well…I also served Low one evening….dull tight arses…..these things are important test of character you know….