Reunited ska legends The Specials are sweeping the UK with a series of gigs, 30 years on from their first UK Top 10 hit. The Coventry group kick off their tour in Newcastle on April 22 and will play 15 dates, including one in their home town. Several extra dates were added due to popular demand, with tickets selling out for most gigs on the day of release.

The group formed in 1977, but it wasn't until 1979 that they had their first Top 10 UK hit with a reworked version of 'Al Capone' that they called 'Gangsters'. A string of Top 10s followed during the next two years, including 'A Message To You, Rudy', 'Too Much Too Young', 'Rat Race', 'Stereotype', 'Do Nothing' and 'Ghost Town'. Their first album, 'Specials', was produced by the legendary Elvis Costello and their name-dropping connections don't stop there - they can boast The Pretenders' Chrissie Hynde, Belinda Carlisle and Charlotte Caffey from The Go-Go's among their back-up singers.

The band ceased to exist in its orginal line-up in 1981, although many members went on to varying levels of success as solo artists or in other groups. However, it has been nearly 30 years since the original members performed together, although original song-writer Jerry Dammers is not part of the reunion. With the fever-pitch popularity that abounded them at the height of their success, and their recent teaser performances last year, it is unlikely that these current shows will disappoint. Their new website www.thespecials.com states that they plan to do some 'special things' on each tour date, including fan involvement. So if you are lucky enough to have scored a ticket - enjoy this innovative blast from the past.

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