From the start, we wanted to capture the energy and heat of Jamaica and the fantastic Two Tone bands of the UK. Influenced by the bands Madness and The Specials Special Brew played its first gig on Black Friday 1989 at the notorious Perth pub 'The old Melbourne'.

The Brew (occasionally known as The Skanksters, Frank Nitty & the Skanksters, and even The Ant Hill Mob) became a central part of the Perth ska scene for the next 6 years. It also played at the biggest ska and reggae events in this town over the years - the 'Bob Marley Outernational Day' , 'Power Pop Explosion' to name a couple we still remember vividly. The ‘Power’ gig was so popular it was recorded in the UK for the album 'Power Pop Explosion'. Other original songs have appeared on other Ska Compilations from time to time.

All the in pubs around town regularly hosted the madness and the sounds of Special Brew. 'Club Blue Beat' , Willoughbys, The Melbourne, the Underground, the Ozone Bar, the Shenton Park Hotel. Sadly, many of these great places have changed or gone, but for those that were there, the memories remain.

Band commitments forced a breakin ‘95, but just as Ska never dies, so Special Brew could never really become history. In 2002 with a new 8-piece mega-line up, original member and creator Mark was rejoined by Brian on Trombone and Shane on Trumpet. Add Sid on Bass, Jim on Sax, Foxy on Drums, Paul on keys, and Magnus on lead vocals.

Their comeback gig, much celebrated by old and new fans at 'The Norfolk Hotel' in Fremantle, was followed by dates at 'The Bog', 'The Orient' 'The Newport' , The UWA Tavern, the Civic, the Seaview. The Indie Bar in Scarborough is now a regular home. Brew has recommenced its playing dates at reggae and ska festivals by playing at this year’s Outernational.

It’s also working on new music and music of its own. As it gets back to full speed, expect to see us all over the place.