Although we always seemed to be aware of them, even we were surprised just how many subgenres of Rock and Roll there seems to be. In the case of the Ska Revival genre we wonder if it the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will see fit to grant them an inductee. If so, our bet would be on the Specials.

Sure, we might have been able to make a case for either the Beat or Madness in this slot but in the end we chose the Specials as they have been often given the most credit for the Ska Revival in the 70’s. The Specials combined Ska with Punk’s attitude and laced it with political and social commentary. Combine that with a distinct look, the creation of their own label and you have a true scene that they led. Their run was brief, but it left a distinct mark for sure.

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The Bullet Points:

Eligible Since:

2004

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom (England)

Why They Will Get In:

There are currently no Ska bands in the Hall, and usually each genre will receive one.

Why They Won’t Get In:

Just because there is no Ska band in the Hall, does not mean they will feel obligated to put one in.

Nominated In:

Never

Essential Albums:

Specials (1979)

More Specials (1980)

In the Studio (1984)

Our Five Favorite Songs as Chosen by Each Member of the NIHOF Committee:

Gangsters (Single, 1979)

A Message to You Rudy (From Specials, 1979)

Concrete Jungle (From Specials, 1979)

Ghost Town (Single, 1981)

Nelson Mandela (From In the Studio, 1984)

www.thespecials.com