The protagonists for the 2-Tone record label was Coventry band ‘The Special AKA’ (originally ‘The Automatics’). The band managed to get a slot supporting The Clash in ’78 and, after the success of their first single ‘Gangsters’ in ‘79, they began to gain interest from quite a few record labels. Band member Dammers however had thoughts of launching his own label. It was the label Chrysalis that agreed to take on 2-Tone as a subsidiary label with the right to sign on other bands.
The name 2-Tone reflected the multi-racial aspect of The Special AKA and the chequered artwork. The ‘Walt Jabsco’ rude boy character was based on Peter Tash (The Wailers) and soon became iconic among fans.
Artists included on the label included:
The Specials, Madness, The Selecter, The Beat, The Body Snatchers, Rico, and The Swinging Cats. Other artist’s were associated with the label but never officially signed, including: Elvis Costello, UB40, Bad Manners and Dexys Midnight Runners.
In 2009 it was the 30th Anniversary of the British label’s beginning.
The name 2-Tone reflected the multi-racial aspect of The Special AKA and the chequered artwork. The ‘Walt Jabsco’ rude boy character was based on Peter Tash (The Wailers) and soon became iconic among fans.
Artists included on the label included:
The Specials, Madness, The Selecter, The Beat, The Body Snatchers, Rico, and The Swinging Cats. Other artist’s were associated with the label but never officially signed, including: Elvis Costello, UB40, Bad Manners and Dexys Midnight Runners.
In 2009 it was the 30th Anniversary of the British label’s beginning.
No comments:
Post a Comment