After twenty years, the Specials returned with two major announcements for fans. The first being that they are returning with new original music, and the return of their original vocalist Terry Hall.
According to Pitchfork, the band announced that Hall would be returning for their new album Encore which is due out on February 1, 2019. It was also announced that the new album will include founding members Lynval Golding and Horace Panter.
Hall has not been featured on a Specials song since their 1981 single, “Ghost Town.” After the release of that single Hall would leave the band along with two of his bandmates, Golding and Neville Staple, to form Fun Boy Three.
Despite his departure, the Specials continued to play and release albums. However, since the band has not released new music since their 1998 album, Guilty ‘til Proved Innocent! In 2000, the band released an album of cover songs titled, Skinhead Girl, and another in 2001 titled Conquering Ruler.
The Specials got their start in 1977 as a two-tone band with a ska influence. The original members included Golding, Panter and drummer Silverson Hutchinson. Hall joined shortly after, replacing the band’s former vocalist.
Along with their new album, the band announced that they will be hitting the road for a UK tour in 2019. Fans will be able to pre-order Encore here beginning October 29 at 11:59 p.m.
For a full track list view below:
Black Skinned Blue-Eyed Boys
B.L.M.
Vote For Me
The Lunatics
Breaking Point
Blam Blam Fever
10 Commandments
Embarrassed By You
The Life And Times (Of A Man Called Depression)
We Sell Hope