Ska legend Neville’s milestone show at Magna this Saturday

Huge hits such as Ghost Town and Too Much Too Young introduced the music genres to the masses.

The Specials former front-man Neville Staple is the man credited with changing the face of pop music.

Neville’s two-tone (or 2-tone) legacy is huge and this year marks the 40th anniversary of the musical movement — which will be celebrated at Magna on Saturday, February 16. 

Neville said: “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 40th Anniversary of Ska and 2-Tone gig will feature musicians who have been flying the flag through the decades, including Neville’s original band members, along with famous faces from The Beat, Dexy’s Midnight Runners and General Public.

The Specials reunited in 2009 and enjoyed another run of success, before Neville left to focus on his solo career.

He continues to write and produce music and is celebrated as a living legend in his hometown of Coventry — dubbed the birthplace of 2-tone and where he recently helped to land the City of Culture title for 2021.

Doors for the Magna gig open at 6.30pm and tickets cost £21.50.

Visit www.visitmagna.co.uk/whats-on or call 01709 720009 for more information.