If you've read Horace Panter's memoir 'Ska'd For Life', then you know he is a great writer with a wonderful knack for conveying the truth about life as a musician. The book charts the rise and fall of The Specials from their founding to their disintegration. I loved the book, particularly for the way in which Panter explains what can happen when seven very different individuals with unique personalities and distinct backgrounds can harness their creative energy and passion. If you haven't read the book, then I highly recommend you pick up a copy. Both Amazon.US and Amazon.UK have copies available.If you have read the book, and were sorry when you finished, then I have very good news for you. Panter has been regularly posting updates on a blog called 'Grapevine' and sub-titled 'Summer Fun with The Specials' on The Specials Web site. The posts are detailed updates -- part travelogue and part tour diary -- of The Specials experiences on their 2010 European summer tour. Its great reading and a perfect epilogue to his book. Panter provides a vivid look at how much chaos -- travel (planes, trains and automobiles), searing summer heat, boredom, traffic delays, and bad air-conditioning can impact a traveling band of 10 plus support (roadies, sound, family, etc) attempting to get from Point A to Point B on time. Oh and then there is the small detail of having to perform with energy and enthusiasm. Then you get to do it all in reverse. Its not always pretty, particularly when most of the band are in the their mid-50's and don't recover from the wear and tear of touring the way they used to. That said, the show must go on and I'm hoping Panter will keep on posting up through the band's upcoming North American trip later this month.
Below is video taken from Panter's blog of an interview drummer John Bradbury and guitarist Roddy Byers did while backstage at the Ruisrock Festival in Finland this past July:
1 comment:
Great post thanks! Finally I get a great reason to find a bookstore. Can't wait! Also this reunion is awesome, I'm gonna check the post on their Letterman appearance and tape it with my realplayer. You see, I missed the English Beat, Special Beat's last gigs but would see both of 'em a lot...best was the English Beat on Sunset Blvd. in '03 at the Roxy!!
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