The Specials’ U.K. tour in April and May 2009 now has extra dates, with the band claiming to have sold 45,000 tickets for eight shows in just over 30 minutes.
The U.K. act has reformed for the tour, although without founder member Jerry Dammers. A statement was issued on his behalf claiming he was not informed about the tour or invited to take part.
In response, the Specials issued the following statement: “We don’t agree with what Jerry has said, but we don’t want to talk about it, not least because it is in the hands of our lawyers.
“We are all very excited about the overwhelming support shown to us, and the rush to buy tickets would appear to prove that the fans are looking forward to joining us in these dancehalls across the country next year as much as we are looking forward to playing them.”
The Specials’ ‘2-tone’ sound combined ska and punk, earning them eight top ten hits in the U.K. including two No. 1 singles. The band is celebrating the 30th anniversary of its debut single “Gangsters.”
The Specials announced three further Brixton Academy dates and extra shows in Glasgow and Manchester after tickets sold out when they went on sale Dec. 11. The tour is booked by X-Ray and the promoter is Metropolis Music.
Meanwhile, U.K. indie-rock act Blur has added a second London Hyde Park show on July 2. After a lengthy hiatus, the band is back with its original line-up, which has not appeared together since 2000.
Tickets for the July 3 Blur show sold out when they went on sale this morning. The dates are promoted by Live Nation and Metropolis Music, in association with CMO management and booking agent X-Ray Touring.
