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They defined 2nd wave ska and created the 2-tone label. The Specials exploded onto the world and imploded just a few years later. Some members of the band are still out there doing it. Their few albums, issued through the 80's and 90's are all worth getting.
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Busta Bloodvessel fronts this fantastic band, going constantly since it started in the late '70s.
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The Selector were set up almost by chance as part of Jerry Dammers' Two-Tone label and had several fantastic hits. Like many ska acts, they were short-lived the first time around but still perform in some form.
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Madness is a British Instituation. They had more number one singles in the UK than anyone else in the '80s and have got together to make albums and host events ever since. Their new album proves they still have it.
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Founded 60 years ago in jostling Camden Town, the Electric Ballroom has hosted (and launched) great bands. London ska (and ska-influenced) bands like Madness and The Clash consider this their spiritual centre. It has just emerged from the shadow of redevelopment
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American Ska. Not too many really get it, but The Toasters do.
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Another fine American Ska band
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Fantastic local site with lots of info, run by our friend Bendog
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The Japanese take their ska seriously - but in an oh-so Japanese way. But we love it. Check out the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. They've been around since the '80s and they're as eclectic and entertaining as ever. Still turning out albums and
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Pinoeer of Ska, Reggae and the Jamaican music scene through the last half century. Toots influenced a huge number of mainstream acts and is still actively recording now.
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THE original ska band. It contained all the greats - McCook, Alphonso, Mittoo and more. They're all gone now, but the band lives on. This is not a band. It's an institution
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Our friends Raggabeats are the best Reggae band in our part of the World. They've been gaining respect all over and doing supports for big international acts whenever the're in town. Check them out. You won't be sorry
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A Great site with Australian Ska bands - past & present
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The Body Snatchers; ska's only all-girl band. Synthesised by The Specials, they were seen as somewhat lightweight musicians. But many think they had a couple of great tracks and a sound that was all SKA,
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Toni Tye was there in the '80s when SKA was happening in the pubs of London and Coventry. She was there with her camera. Check out these great images.
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