SPECIALIZED RECORDS PROUDLY PRESENTS “WHEN A LIGHTS GO OUT”
SPECIALIZED RECORDS PROUDLY PRESENTS
“WHEN THE LIGHTS GO OUT” – THE FINAL SINGLE FROM THE LEGENDARY SPECIALS FAMILY
Specialized Records is honoured to announce the release of “When the Lights Go Out,” the final single from the legendary ska band, The Specials. This poignant release marks the last chapter in a remarkable 47-year history, celebrating the enduring legacy of one of the most influential bands in 2Tone and ska history.
The Specials Family Releases New Track at Coventry Music Museum Launch Event
On March 23rd, the iconic Coventry Music Museum hosted a special launch event for the much-anticipated track The Specials Family, marking a heartfelt tribute to the legendary ska and 2-Tone music scene. Co-written and performed by founding members of The Specials, Lynval Golding, Horace Panter, and Mark Adams, along with a talented group of affiliated musicians including Nikolaj Torp Larson, Hannah Marsden, Jesse Wagner, and Steve Cradock, the release has already sparked excitement among fans and music lovers alike.
The launch event featured a Q&A session led by Lynval Golding, guitarist of The Specials, where he shared insights into the making of the track and the significance of its release. This was the first opportunity for visitors to purchase CDs and the final versions of the single, which promises to capture the spirit of the genre while honoring the legacy of some of its most influential members.
Among the key attendees at the event were members of the Specialized Project team, including Paul Willo, Paul Ayriss, Ruth Williams, and Dave Moran, who were there to document the occasion and manage the stalls. The occasion also saw the presence of members of The Specials Family and The Selecter, all coming together to celebrate the lasting impact of the 2-Tone movement on music and culture.
In a touching gesture of remembrance, the Burton Brewers Scooter Club participated in a memorial scooter ride to the 2-Tone Village in Coventry, honouring the late Specials members, including frontman Terry Hall and drummer John Bradbury. The track also commemorates musicians from the 2-Tone genre, such as Ranking Roger of The Beat and General Public, trombonist Rico, saxophonist Saxa, The Selecter’s Arthur “Gaps” Hendrickson, and Dave Jordan.
The release of The Specials Family serves not only as a tribute to the genre’s rich history but also as a reminder of the enduring legacy of the artists who shaped the sound and culture of ska and 2-Tone music. The event at the Coventry Music Museum highlighted the sense of community that has always been central to The Specials’ ethos and the broader 2-Tone movement.
A Tribute to the Legends
Dedicated to the memory of Terry Hall, John Bradbury, and Rico Rodriguez, as well as other iconic 2Tone figures, including Ranking Roger, Saxa, Everett Morton, Gappa Hendrickson, and Specials producer Dave Jordan, “When the Lights Go Out” is a heartfelt tribute to the pioneers who shaped the sound and spirit of a movement.
Supporting Mental Health Initiatives
All final funds raised from this release will be donated to Specialized Project and Tonic Music for Mental Health, continuing the band’s tradition of using music as a force for good.
An International Collaboration
Produced by Nikolaj Torp-Larsen and Lynval Golding, with co-production by Roger Rivas of The Aggrolites, “When the Lights Go Out” was recorded between London and Los Angeles. This transatlantic collaboration brings together an outstanding lineup of musicians:
Musicians:
• Lynval Golding – Vocals, electric guitar, cabasa
• Nikolaj Torp-Larsen – Organs, backing vocals, tambourine, woodblock
• Steve Cradock – Electric guitar
• Horace Panter – Electric bass
• Kenrick Rowe – Drums
• Hannah Hu – Vocals
• Tim Smart – Trombone
• Pablo Mendelssohn – Trumpet
• Jesse Wagner – Backing vocals
Production Credits:
• Horns Arranged by: Tim Smart
• Mixed by: Roger Rivas
• Dub Mix by: Roger Rivas
• Mastered by: Oscar Pablos at AD Mastering, London
• Recorded at: Eastcote Studios (London), Kingsize Soundlab (Los Angeles), Rivas Studios (Los Angeles)
A Legacy Sealed in Sound
Released exclusively by Specialized Records, a subsidiary of The Specialized Project, “When the Lights Go Out” captures the essence of The Specials’ enduring influence, blending classic 2Tone energy with modern ska sensibilities.
Writing Credits:
• Lyrics & Melody: Mark Adams, Lynval Golding, Nikolaj Torp-Larsen
• Additional Contributions: Horace Panter, Hannah Marsden, Jesse Wagner
“When the Lights Go Out” is more than just a song—it is a tribute, a farewell, and a lasting testament to the spirit of The Specials Family.
