Neville Staple and his band are back again in Frome, which follows the presentation of a special award.
He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Arden University, Coventry, for his contribution to music, and also for his war against knife crime and his efforts to defuse racial tension through innovation and music. He is now known as Dr. Rude Boy and recently has dedicated his time to working with various groups and youth projects following the fatal stabbing of his 21-year-old grandson in 2018.
Neville Staple, legendary front man of The Specials, Fun Boy Three and Special Beat, boasts a super 40-year career in the music business and started out from the early days with Ray King, Pete Waterman, The Coventry Automatics and his Jah Baddis Sound System, before taking to the stage with The Specials during the famous ‘Clash’ tour.
Neville’s 2-Tone legacy is huge. 2019 is the 40th anniversary of the 2Tone Movement. He explained, “The way we brought ska to the mainstream was by mixing Jamaican music with the English style, which at the time was punk. The movement helped to transcend and defuse racial tensions in Thatcher-era Britain. The actual black and white chequered imagery of 2 Tone has become almost as famous as the music itself.
“I remember the massive reactions to the hit songs like Ghost Town, Too Much Too Young and Gangsters and fans still write to me about my rugged, energetic and fun stage presence.”
The Neville Staple Band are playing on Saturday 2nd November, Cheese and Grain. Doors: 7:30pm Tickets: £16.50 (early bird), £18.50 (standard) and £20 (door). Contact the box office: 01373 455420.
