Specials star Neville in Cutlers' Arms return this weekend

Neville Staple, star of The Specials, Fun Boy Three and Special Beat and now fronting The Neville Staple Band, returns to the Cutlers’ Arms two years on from a triumphant night at the Westgate pub.

And this time around, he is officially Dr Rude Boy, having been award an honorary doctorate by Arden University in Coventry.

His show celebrates a 40-year career in the music business in which Neville 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.

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the 2Tone Movement.

Neville, who continues to write, perform, collaborate and produce new music, alongside his wife, Christine “Sugary” Staple, 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 2Tone 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.

“I love performing live and always include my Specials hits, along with other career favourites. 

“Every show is like a massive party where the brilliant fans love to stomp or sing along. 

“I was so proud to become an official Doctor of Music recently too. How cool is that?”

The Neville Staple Band are the Cutlers’ Arms at 7pm on Saturday.

Tickets are priced at £14.85. Visit the Cutlers’ Arms Facebook page for ticket details.

The retro feel will continue late into the evening, with Decades playing a collection of mod and ska classics from 10pm.