The Specials

One of the best shows of the year! The Specials really killed it, what a great band, and awesome show.

The show rocked! Sound system was amazing. The Specials were spot on. Staff at the event were good made sure everyone was taken care of.

Terry hall, all I got to say. They played everything you want to hear perfect. Jah!

the specials..... what can i say . they were the amazing. the best show i have ever seen. lots of energy , lots of fun. band was TIGHT.

They sounded phenomenal! It was like 30 years never went by. A great show in a perfect venue.

I took my 13yr old son to the show. I am 46 years old. I love ska and so does my trumpet playing son. We stood in the pit section up close. The show was beyond amazing and beyond my expectation. The venue was wonderful and will return again soon. I highly recommend the venue and The Specials. Thanks

This was my time seeing The Specials. I have been a fan since the early '80's. They were great, looked great, and have great energy. Best show ever with the exception of the drunks sitting next to us, and spilling beer on my son.

Best concert I have been to in awhile. First concert on Pier 26 in NYC. Was a blast!

The music from this legendary Ska band was as rocking and relevant as it was 30 years ago. The only thing that marred the show was Terry Hall letting himself get upset by a heckler and spending the rest of the show angry. That, and the fact they didn't play their biggest hit of all time: "Ghost Town".

...once they finally made it to the stage more than 2 hours later than supposed to. The concert was supposed to start at 5pm with an opening act duo. The opener started after 7pm. I love The Specials and wouldn't be complaining, but the heat outside was close to a 100 degrees and the pier had no shade at all. I mean, you're late and it's hot as hell, so put up some kind of a tent or give out water. There was no shortage of $3 water, though. And beer. By the time The Specials came on stage at 8:30, the sun already set and it wasn't as hot anymore. They did an hour and a half of non-stop best of. The guys were great, as usual, and everyone was jumping around and dancing. Overall an excellent band to see live.

thirty-odd years later, the Specials are still full of energy and passion. despite the heatwave, they played well. the whole audience was dancing.

This might be ageist of me but I think anything having to do with punk is a young person's game. And there's nothing worse than going to see a reunited band that just phoned it in. Thankfully that wasn't the case by any means with The Specials. Like the year before - they just absolutely killed it. And it was an amazing night to see a classic band outside with the Freedom Tower and moon looming in the background as everyone was having a blast as The Specials nailed one hit after another. I'm looking forward to their 2014 tour already.

Great band, great venue. I would definitely see someone else play at Pier 26 in a heartbeat, and would gladly see the Specials anytime they're in town.

They put on a good show. We really enjoyed it . Glad we went

The Specials were absolutely top class act that made complete crowd dancing! Awesome gig location, too!

I liked the outdoor venue. The Specials performed great, with an awesome upbeat energy! The whole crowd was really into it. The opening act was ok, but didn't really fit with the specials. It was unclear what time the show actually started, some places said 5, others 6 - but the first act didn't perform until 7. And the specials didn't go on until after dark, it would have been nice to have clearer instruction.

I saw them last time at Terminal 5. The Specials keep getting better everytime I see them. If they played NYC area twice or more a year I would see them each time! Keep playing and I will be there!

What a great night. The Specials were outstanding.

Excellent outdoor venue. The Specials delivered a Ska Night to remember!!!!!!

They've still got it and Terry Hall's comments in between were hilarious. Promoters/venues should have to indicate what time band is due on stage, when they send out pre show emails.

Just like the good old '80's the Specials came with all the energy and bounce they had back in the day Terry was charming and in fine voice (charming even though someone hit him with a pair of tossed flip-flops). Roddy's guitar playing great and I think even Jerry Dammers showed up for this one. Message to you Rudy was dedicated to George Zimmerman. Love the Specials!

The Specials were terrific! They sounded fantastic... tons of energy like back in the day. Brought me right back to my prime in the mid-80's. Great summertime venue, vibe and food options. They made us forget the heat for a little while. Terrific night!

I've been a fan for a long time, so finally seeing the Specials was very exciting. And they did a great show. Even though they've been doing this for such a long time, they put a lot of energy into it. I danced the whole time!

The Specials were fantastic! My husband and I have been fans for years--he has seen many shows. Our daughters (12 & 6) have grown up on their greatest hits, and this was such a fun way to take them to see the band. Our only disappointment was that they didn't play Too Hot (we were in the middle of a heat wave, and it was a scorcher).

The venue was less than I had expected. Seating was folding chairs on grass. The sound was EXCELLENT. The song selection was great. But the main blemish on this event was Terry Hall's (lead singer) attitude. For most of the concert he looked at his shoes, not the audience. He looked like the only band member who was not happy to be performing for us. At one point a fan in the front row must have been yelling something. He looked at her and said, "I don't know what you are saying but let's start with 'Shut Your F*#ing Mouth...You Stupid Tw*t.' Then near the end he seemed to signal that he was having a problem with his microphone. The set ended. A few minutes later the band returns for an encore WITHOUT Terry Hall. They played an instrumental for a few minutes and then left.

The Specials are a great get up and dance band and played all their great old songs, but the Little Hurricanes were a great opening act.

Music: Outstanding - the band was tight and the sound was spot on. I was amazed at how true the band was to their original 80's sound. Venue: I love catching a show at this outdoor theater - though it was hot this night. Crowd: It was a very lightly attended show - frankly it was kind of embarrassing to be in the crowd. I was shocked that it was only 1/3 full for this great band. The Band: All the band members were great, save one. Terry Hall I know can be a prick - but man, was he one this night. He came out and I don't know if it was the crowd size, or if he'd had a bad day...but when there was a break in the lyric he turned to the sound guy and was furious. All through out the show he was mad and was gesturing wildly towards other bandmates making angry gestures and faces expressing anger. He NEVER had any banter with the crowd. Lynval Golding was a bit cheery and tried to talk now and then, but Terry Hall was a total ahole. He threw something at a woman in the crowd and then went off on her (the only time he spoke) and swore at her and the crowd booed him. He also threw something at the back of the stage. He then stormed off during the last song and did not return for the encore. He's was a dick. It was a shame. Perhaps there was issues with his earpiece but the sound through the speakers seemed fine.

This was one of the most FUN concerts! They had everyone up and dancing. The place was electric. They sounded great, all the years did not hurt them.Yes, missing one person from original line up, but it did not matter much. The set list was all the songs you wanted them to sing and they sang them like you remeber or how you wanted to hear them. I would say, that this is a must concert to see. If you miss them, you might never see them again. A MUST SEE concert. I am So glad I went and you should too!

The Specials were great but the show started and ended way too early. The show was over at 10:30. We only caught half their set. I never would have imagined a show for grown-ups would be over this early! Crazy.

You can see from some of the youtube clips posted that the whole crowd really got into the performance. The Band were appreciative of the reception and seemed relaxed and entertaining. Terry Hall was cracking jokes like he was a stand-up comedian!

Truly one of the most memorable shows in a long time! Run to their next show and don't miss these legends in action! Voices and music were in top form.

One of the best shows I've been too! The Specials still got it!

33 Years since last seeing them live in London, it was like being in a time machine as they have hardly changed. Terry hall was his usual sultry self witha pitch perfect emotionless performance. Lynval Golding at 78 yrs old is as enetertaining as ever.....I hope I am that active when I get to his age! May they perform for years to come.....moshing in the pit was so entertaining with young guys....afterall I am 52 years old myself!!!

Great night, as usual with this band. They never disappoint, the only thing I would change about that night was the weather, it was too hot...also wish they had played longer. Can't get enough!

One of the best shows I've ever seen, the Specials rocked the house. Very tight set, they had the entire crowd moving and shaking. I will definitely go see them again when they come back to the area!

I hadn't seen these guys in 30yrs, so it was great to attend the concert. It brought back memories of a simpler time. Woa!! Did I just say that? Yep! I'm official old. Ha! Not really! Anyway, I recognized at least 4 of the original members and they looked pretty good. The guys performed just about the entire debut album and then some from the other albums. I believe that they cut at least three. I have only the debut album "The Specials". I enjoyed the Fillmore venue in Silver Spring excellent for concerts and not a bad seat in the house actually.

A very high energy show... the intensity was non stop start to finish and I can't remember the last time I danced so much. The pit was packed and everyone seemed to have a good time. The venue is great once we circled around town once to get into the parking garage which was difficult because of the outbound traffic and no left turn arrows at the traffic lights, but it was made up for when we didn't have to pay for our parking on exiting. I think the only disappointment to the crowd was that they didn't perform "rude boy" although everyone was cheering for them too.

The specials put on an amazing show. Couldn't be happier with thier performance.

This was my second show, the week before I saw them in Philly with friends, then in asbury park with my girlfriend as she lives up there so it was perfect, great band , great show ! If they tour again on the east coast I will be there! Grew up on ska and to see them playing live now was just amazing !

Three decades (plus) from their beginnings, and The Specials are still great. On a hot, sticky night, their music had the audience on their feet and dancing the whole time. The Ives Center is a great, beautiful venue, and the sound was both loud and clear. Singer Terry Hall apparently disagreed (he went and appeared to yell at the sound mixer more than once), but the rest of the band appeared to enjoy the evening as much as the audience did. Here's hoping The Specials will be back in the US before long... and I certainly will be visiting the Ives Center again.

Awesome 84 minute performance by one of the pioneers of the punk/ska music scene. HIGHLY recommended, I suggest any one interested to visit their website and take in a show NOW! This tour is short in length. Excellent, simply excellent!

I have to admit, I was sort of expecting to get kind of the "milking a few bucks out of nostalgia" show out of these guys because who the hell expects a ska-band to still be killing it well into their 50s. Thankfully, I was so wrong about that, because they played a 90-minute set of mostly their classic material (with a few more recent things thrown in) that absolutely sounded as fresh as it did when I first heard it in the early 1980s. They're a little older, a little less bouncy on stage (though only a little), but they are as tight as a snaredrum head and still bringing the ska as well as ever.

This was my 1st show @ Terminal 5 and I loved the venue. 3 floors and a decent amount of room on the floor. The Specials were amazing, the last time they were in NYC was 26 year ago and they made up for lost time. The played every song I knew (I took a pic of the set list) and the sound was great. If they come to your area definitely check them out!

I first heard the Specials in England in the summer of 1980 when I was there for a high school exchange program. In the years after that, I never got a chance to see them live. I was able to correct that last night and it was like it was 1980 all over again...Band was energetic - crowd was more so. Venue was good too.

Excellent show. Fun to be in a roomful of people who knew every word that was being sung and sang along. So much love for the Specials, with long time fans and newbies skanking and singing in unison. Would have been great if Jerry Dammers was included but you can't win them all.

Brilliant show. All of their most popular songs performed like time never passed. Nice venue, packed house, lots of energy for someone on their 30th anniversary tour! I had a killer view from the 3rd floor corridor. Great time!. If they're coming to your town, go see them. You'll be witnessing the work of musical legends.

Well, the special's are probably my favorite band if i had to pick. I've been into them since i was about 16(im 30 now). I saw about 3 shows they did when they made a fake comeback in the 90's with not many original member's. But last night they came out for their 30th anniversary tour and had every member minus 1. But Terry Hall was with them and he was my idol as a teenager. They played like they did in 1979. They are all in great shape and put on an amazing show. And the venue was great. It sounded amazing and the layout was really cool. This was my first show at terminal 5 and not my last!!!! AMAZING SHOW!!!! I'll remember this night for the rest of my life.

Valdez and I treked to Pasadena's Perkins Palace to see The Specials (August 14, 1981). It was an amazing show. "Ghost Town" had hit the #1 spot on the UK charts over the summer. They would play one more show (SF) before heading to Jamaica for a little "r & r". They broke up before making it back to the UK. The band would tour as Special AKA and SpecialBeat with former Beat members, But without Terry Hall, the band wasn't the same. Last summer they reformed for some UK gigs. When this show was announced you knew you couldn't miss it with Terry Hall again on vocals. They arrived early and packed Club Nokia. Older yes, but with the original band (Jerry Dammers was not invited for this reunion) it was like they were never away. If all oldies shows only had this much energy. Over an hour and forty minutes they played most of their two studio albums with Hall on vocals. 23 songs later an exhausted crowd headed for home, or maybe Coachella. I'm sure we got a longer show then they'll see on the Empire Polo Field. They say you can't go home, but this is about a close as you can get. Valdez and I were 29 years older this time. Ouch!

The Specials are a great band to see always sound great love their songs and everyone is really into it they have great fans.

As a long time fan, The Specials did not disappoint. Highly recommend seeing them if you ever get the chance... that s my message to Rudy.

They were great! I was taken back to the mid 80's and in a Santa Cruz nightclub that I was wasn't supposed to be legally in. But I got in and heard the Specials for the first time... a fan.

The Specials hit the stage in oakland in front of. a enthaistic sold our crowd and their smiles never left their faces. Even Terry seemed to be having a good rime. The crowd new the lyrics by heart and perform d extended versions of many songs to the obvious joy of the band . The Specials sent a strong message of fun to this crowd hungry for joy.

I always see the Specials when they're in town. The music is so much fun. Totally danceable and upbeat. Everyone i've ever taken to see them comes away amazed. Recommended for anybody of any age. Although i think they sometimes need a bigger venue.

I'd never seen the Specials with original lead singer Terry Hall, and was standing 2 people back from the stage, so needless to say this was incredibly awesome. OTOH every single listing for this show indicated that the Specials were on at 7. I walked in at 7:10 to an almost empty room. Obviously it was doors at 7. The Specials went on at 9:15. Which would have been less annoying had the HOB had a beer selection that stretched past mainstream brews and pseudo-crafts like Harpoon and Sam Adams. The staff however were friendly and the venue is nice. It shouldn't be so hard to find out what time a show actually starts!

Awesome Show!...Highly recommendable...Had a very time...

A brilliant night was had, brought a few friend that hadn't seen them before and hey love them. Terminal 5 is a great venue I seen the Specials there 3 years ago and as always they were brilliant

I have not seen this band in almost 30 years,but they were as good as ever! Very happy to have seen them again and would certainly see them again!

The Specials were outstanding. Best gig I've been to in quite a while. A rather dreary and vanilla hipster support band and the drinks prices are out of control but these things weren't enough to ruin the brilliant main act.

Sold out show yet once again for the fabulous Specials! I hadn't seen them since the 80's but never stopped listening to them! They played so many of my favorite songs & could not stop pogo-ing on the dance floor. I highly recommend seeing them if you love SKA bands. I hope they keep it going another 10 years! It was general admission & a sold out show . Would've been a lot more comfortable if the air conditioning was adequate for the overly packed venue. It seemed Terminal 5 was wayyyyy over the maximum capacity.

Great time. the crowd was into it and everyone was dancing

What a great concert. So many good songs. Took me back to my youth. The Specials was the first album I bought on tape in England and it's still damn good!

We expected a good concert but what we got was a GREAT concert. These guys rocked it. By the end of the 4th song everyone was soaked from dancing theirs hearts out. Wow, what a great, great night. We'll remember this forever. Thank you Stone Pony for bringing the Specials to us.

The Specials were really amazing to see live. So much engery, you couldnt not have a great time.

Porbably my "once-in-a-lifetime" chance to see the Specials and I am so glad I went! Do not miss this show!

Anybody that is a fan should most definitely see this machine. Super tight rhythm section(as always) and Terry has slightly come out of his "comfort zone" to be more inactive w/the audience. "Blank expression" and "Doesn't make it alright" are impossible not to enjoy, if ska is what's on the menu. Eat or go home.

All I can say is WOW!! I saw The Specials a week ago at Pier 26 in NYC and it was so much fun!! I've been a life long fan of The Specials (I'm 40 years old) and never thought I'd get a chance to catch them live. It was a last minute decision and I'm so glad I went. The music was top notch, the energy was incredible and the audience was elated. Gold stars all around! I've been to A LOT of shows in my life and this one ranks in my top 5. If you have a chance to see these guys - DO IT!! No regrets.

Excellent Show!!1 They did not disappoint!!! Don't Miss it..

One of the best concerts I have ever been to! EVER!

If these guys are this energetic now, I can't even imagine them 30 years ago. The venue was cool, but expensive drinks (at least for not being from NYC)

Great show overall. It was just amazing to hear these songs played live, and the mood was great. On the flip side, the stage seemed too big for the band at times. Cheers

This was my first Specials Show.....they have an incredible following with rabid fans. The classics were great. I would go again!

From the moment you get into the concert hall you realize this is truly universal music by the diverse crowd you also realize this is peace loving harmonies cause no matter how drunk people got there were no rudeboys in the audience. The performance was spot on, they kept everyone sweating and skanking all night long. I recommend this to to everyone!

I would go see The Specials play every single day of my life. They were outstanding.

I have to say, last night's gig at Terminal 5 was one of the most amazing live performances I have seen - and I've seen a lot.

One of the best shows I've seen in years. They did not disappoint, and I had high expectations!

The Specials were hot, hard to believe they hadn't toured in twenty plus years.

Good show. Lively band. Audience was very enthusiastic.

Great band in a great venue. Terminal 5 was jammed full last night. Everybody was there to see The Specials take the stage for the first time in many years. I saw them in London when they were at their peak, but last night brought me right back to the early 1980's. Timeless music, and ecstatic fans created a superb atmosphere and an evening to remember.

The Specials have not lost a thing over the last 26 years, which is the last time they played here in the U.S. The crowd, both young and well....not as young, were lively, happy and engaged completely with the high energy show. Ska is alive and well with The Specials and the music as relevant now as it ever was! I had a wonderful time and Terminal 5 was the perfect venue for the show, I am 5'2 and had no trouble seeing the band.

It's hard to believe that there has been a 20+ year gap since these guys last played together. It's as if no time has passed between The Specials heyday and today. The music was still there. The voices were still there. And the energy! Incredible. This was by far the best reunion I've ever seen.

The Specials have had an incredible influence on me musically and socially. Having been introduced to them in 1983 I never had a chance to see them live. Last nights show was the fulfillment of a 27 year dream to see these guys live and it delivered in a big way. The only original member not present was Jerry (and of course Rico R.) but the new keyboard player (along with the 3-piece horn section) all played the solos and licks perfectly. It felt like I was like seeing these guys on 'The Old Grey Whistle test' with all of the energy and intensity being exchanged. Terminal 5 was cool. The staff were friendly and helpful and the space works well enough. We had a spot almost behind the stage looking down from behind one of the mains. It felt like being backstage for the show. All in all a great event and fantastic evening.

So there was no Jerry but the rest of the crew were there. No new "hits" just all the classics played straight. No support but a sound system to rock steady. Terry's onstage persona is still the same cheery chap I remember from TOTPs when I was a little rudie. Took the kids and they loved it too! It's hard to imagine how it could have been better (except if the great Rico Rodriguez had guested for a Guns of Navarone - no disrespect to the horns in session)

From the moment they set foot on stage, the band was high energy, and sounded amazing! The set list was great. Knew all but 1 song, and that was great too. Had a near perfect experience, unfortunately the band was 21/2 hours late! No opening act to fill the void, no announcement explaining, and $7.00 beer while we waited ! This was fault of venue not band. Otherwise staff was great. Once they started playing, was worth it.

They were Hi-Energy and a blast to watch. Their music would be even better at an outdoor place or a Caribbean beach!

The Specials were terrific. They sounded better than they did in England in 2009. People were having a good time although the moshing was getting a bit out of control.

Despite the fact that Terminal 5 seemed it's usual over stuffed capacity crowd. It was a relief to experience the open roof top bar for beers and burgers. The Specials haven't lost it yet - the crowd really got into it and were really energized. Sound was better than other shows I've seen here. Being a Ska man back in my early teenage years, this one was 30 years worth waiting for!!

can't believe after 30 years these guys rocked the place i grew up listening to these guys and the rest of the Ska scene Madness Etc was so happy that i finally got to see them

Great show. Hope they produce another CD and tour again. I'll be there again! Standing area was very very tight and they place was hot as he!! Turn on the AC!

So glad I didn't miss this one. They played all of the songs you would want to hear and more!

I had a blast at this concert. Terminal 5 is a great venue to see anything. (They could use more than one exit. I felt like I was in a herd of cattle leaving the show.) Dancing was great on the second floor. No need to be in the pit. It looked fun, but I'm too old for that scene. The Specials rocked the house!

The Specials were in top form last night, rankin and skankin and raising the roof. This band could do a clinic on how present an inspiring show. Their set was energetic but not frenzied, tight but still spontaneous. Unlike the stereotypical cash-grab "reunion" tours, I think these fellows really mean it after all these years. The Specials are still pure. P.S. The crowdfolk were really stylin, but apparently ska dancing is now a lost art. ;-)

An unbelievably fun night dancing with thousands of sweaty fans to the classic sounds of The Specials. Brought me back to when I was 12, hearing "Too Much Too Young" for the first time at the youth club disco... Jerry Dammers was missed, but the rest of the group pulled off an incredible set.

I REMEMBER THE FIRST TIME I LISTENED TO THEM IN THE EARLYS 1980'S.THE GREATEST SHOW IN 2010.GOOD SENSE OF HUMOR. I LOVE THOSE GUYS . BRITISH INVASION IS BACK. I'M FROM PUERTO RICO.

Great performance - great venue - great time - what is left to say?

Best live show I've seen since James Brown 8 years ago. Got NY crowd out of its typically jaded stupor. Specials, please keep playing ( and get Jerry Dammers back).

The Specials were fantastic! The fact that they've been playing together for so long really comes through in the performance. The Specials fans were also great! The mosh on the floor was energetic yet completely friendly and a lot of fun. However, Terminal 5 is my least favorite venue in NYC. In fact, it is probably my least favorite venue anywhere! It is overcrowded except for the giant VIP section that is generally 90% empty, and the sound quality is marginal at best.

Why are both of these performances sell outs? It's simple, because any fan of The Specials knows the significance of their contribution to the music scene. There hasn't been a band like them since, and I doubt there ever will be. I regularly listen the vinyl originals from '79, '80, and had I closed my eyes last night at the show, it would have felt just like that. More impressive was that I couldn't close my eyes, Terry, Lynval, Neville, Roddy, Sir Horace and John on drums looked great. Keeping in mind that 30 years have passed since the high energy days when they used to perform, they kept up. The crowd may have helped, the 1000 or so in front of the stage never stopped dancing. If you have tickets, remember to keep the stub, this is one for the scrapbook!

"the specials" were very special!!! they're the best ska band in the world and showed it.

Excellent show! The room was full of energy. We danced the night away.

This show was awesome from beginning to end. We danced the entire show! One of my favorite shows!