The Specials.

O2 Victoria Warehouse, Manchester. September 2021.

The Specials (2021).

Me and Anita, the first night of a Manchester double header. New Order at Heaton Park was booked first. It was only months later that The Specials announced the Victoria Warehouse for the night before and, like New Order, they were one of those bands I wanted to chalk off the list.

It was one of the first big gigs back after lockdown, and it was just wonderful to be in a room with people again, drinking plastic pints and singing along to some absolute classics.

They were three weeks off releasing Protest Songs 1924–2012 and opened with Freedom Highway. It was the last album Terry Hall sang on, and I'm delighted I got to see them before he sadly passed away.

The setlist.

All 22 songs from the night, in the order they played them. Listen: Apple Music · Spotify

Spotify doesn't have The Dog.

Setlist from setlist.fm. More from 2021: my songs of the year.