Bad Manners and The More Specials

Author's product rating:   

Headliners
Variety of music
Facilities (campsite, toilets, creche, etc.)
Sound quality/rigging of stages
Value for money

Advantages:	Everything
Disadvantages:	The night sadly had to end

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

On what must be the worst gig night of the week, me and my sister in law went to Reading's Utopia club where open drains were unashamedly open in the ladies and the More Specials were supporting Bad Manners. Remember they? The line up has changed since the 80's but the original Buster Bloodvessel is still frontman, and entertained us all on Tuesday.

The lack of support was an absolute shame (half a clubfull of skinheads and an unimpressed man literally foaming at the mouth), but I applaud anyone who can be arsed with clubbing at the beginning of the week.

The More Specials are the best tribute band in all the world, and are an amazing example of why tributes are so great (Not counting the hear'say and Spice girls covers, obviously). They've been talked about as being far better and more together than the original Specials on stage, and are energetic, tight and fabulously talented. The great man himself is a big Special's fan and requested the More Specials as his support. If you're a ska fan, I swear you won't be dissapointed. I blagged a set list and the songs were these:

Monkey Man
New Era
Do The Dog
Blank Expression
Guns Of Navarone
Man At C&A
Message To You Rudy
Do Nothing
Sock It To 'Em JB
Stupid Marriage
Gangsters
Little Bitch
Longshot Medley
Too Hot
Ghost Town
Too Much Too Young
Enjoy Yourself
Nite Klub

www.themorespecials.com

I admit I was really there for the More Specials but Bad Manners were great, and are the nicest bunch of blokes you could ever wish to meet. They're easy going, funny and intelligent and lovely guys. I apologise now for any useless information I may bore you with, but I was a drunken fool and asked them all sorts.

I have no real idea of their set list because gigging 7 nights a week, they don't need them. But hungover and suffering to write this here's what I can remember: Lip Up fatty, special Brew, Wooly Bully, My boy Lollipop, The Can can and Lorraine. Sledge the bass guitarist wore a summery floral dress and Buster was in fine voice. Their proffessionalism and pure expertise was obvious and they played with a kind of telepathic and flawless vitality like the skilled musicians they are. The crowd may have been fairly meagre, but they absolutely loved it and the band has many, many loyal fans the world over.

Recent news is that Buster currently has a hernia and is awaiting surgery while he loses weight. I recommended yoga to him, which he already does, and he recommended I get into Reiki (honestly, there was method in the madness of my title) meanwhile nicking my fags.

I had an amazing night of dancing, laughs, talk and me and the More Specials backing singer telling everyone about Ciao. Yes, I'm being a complete name dropper now, so I'll tell you to check out the web site at the address below and to look out for them. I guarantee a brilliant night out as you step back into a glorious era.

www.badmanners.net