I wasn’t really a fan of SKA music. But I loved this song at the time. Because it SPOKE to me. I LIVED this song. I’m 60yo now. A few weeks ago, I was driving in my car. I turned on the radio and it was the opening bars of ‘Ghost Town’. All of a sudden I wasn’t the person I had become, well balanced and reasonably affluent. I was instantly transported back to being a youth with no job, no prospects, little hope. I’m not ashamed to say that I had to pull over at once. I sat and listened to this anthem of despair. And I wept. Like a baby. For ten minutes. Such is life. And such is GREAT music.
Absolutely gutted to hear Terry Hall has died age just 63. R.I.P TERRY Wonderful, unique singer and songwriter. GONE TOO SOON! THE SPECIALS are such an iconic band.
Music of my youth , I'm 56 and it still hits as powerful as the first time I heard it on the radio. Only wish I could have seen them in a live performance.
It's 30 plus years just faded into nowhere and I'm a teenager again. Nothing changed the way it should have and the towns are still all shutting down...
RIP Terry. Singing live, singing a bit later in life, singing the same song across the years - they make a great sound still, and I think Terry’s voice is still pretty spot on. There’s one particular place where he doesn’t quite hit the high note but this is live music. Not edited, cleaned up. This performance is a little gem.
Just brilliant. Back in the day this song was how we all began feeling as a post industrial country, but now, with the thanks of 6music we can appreciate just how good the music and the artists actually are. Love this and peace to you Terry. x
Still an amazing song! I wasn't a big Ska fan at the time ( I always seem to appreciate music a few years after it's release for some reason) but this was always an exception.
Guess I'm just going to reiterate all the other complimentary comments left here. This track came out when I was young teenager. Loved it then. Still love it now. I didn't really get it at the time but it's the quintessential, working class response to Thatcher's brutal policies of the 1980's: "You're killing us!". Final quick point - I live in Glasgow but worked a lot, going back & forth, in Coventry for two or three years around 2010. Coventry is the best city in England, without exception! Like Glaswegians, the vast majority of folk from Coventry are really friendly, down to earth, like a good laugh & will talk to anybody. Just don't take the piss! The Town Wall Tavern - best pub ever! Young & old, happily mixing. No pretensions. No worries. So many happy hangovers! I hope it's still cool. So, thanks Coventry for giving me a great time & producing an outstanding ska band with the best tunes!
Rest in peace Terry but don’t forget also that the drummer John (brad) Bradbury also left us !! May they both rest in eternal peace and thanks for the memories 🙏👍
Cuando tenia 15 años escuche a este grupo... quede impresionado por su estilo, y no he escuchado algo parecido con esa calidad de musicos. Esta cancion sin duda es una de las mas representativas del Ska, todavia se me eriza la piel carajo!!!
Thanks Stew -- yes let's get your friend on the Park Runs. I like the slightly rough live sound they got -- and two really scrumptious guitars, esp. that red tele with the binding.
Happy 43rd anniversary
Whose still listening in 2024
Rest easy Terry
I wasn’t really a fan of SKA music. But I loved this song at the time. Because it SPOKE to me. I LIVED this song.
I’m 60yo now.
A few weeks ago, I was driving in my car. I turned on the radio and it was the opening bars of ‘Ghost Town’. All of a sudden I wasn’t the person I had become, well balanced and reasonably affluent. I was instantly transported back to being a youth with no job, no prospects, little hope. I’m not ashamed to say that I had to pull over at once. I sat and listened to this anthem of despair. And I wept. Like a baby. For ten minutes.
Such is life. And such is GREAT music.
Hermoso lo que escribiste! Muchas gracias por compartirlo!
Amazing RIP Terry, your contribution to the music community will never be forgotten 😢
Can't beat that statement ❤
Absolutely gutted to hear Terry Hall has died age just 63. R.I.P TERRY
Wonderful, unique singer and songwriter.
GONE TOO SOON!
THE SPECIALS are such an iconic band.
A sad day. Rest in peace, Terry Hall. Gone, will never be forgotten.
John Bradbury without doubt the greatest drummer of all time RIP Prince Rimshot
Isn't he just!
phenomenal drumming. I'm sad to learn he's passed away too. What a shit year.
I didn't know John Bradbury until I listened to this version... That snare tone!
True❤
Rest in Peace Terry. We will all miss you.
Rest in power Terry.
Music of my youth , I'm 56 and it still hits as powerful as the first time I heard it on the radio. Only wish I could have seen them in a live performance.
2 years younger and had the privilege of seeing them twice in the last 10 years. No Nev on 2nd show though. RIP Terry!!
Rock City.
Nottingham
1982
A night I’ll never forget
How can anyone NOT like. this????
people don't know good music or non mainstream music
This is what i name music!
Fucking brilliant 🙌
because its pathethic compared to their hey days maybe?
@@klaasj7808 because no original members some but not all ! plus they are cunts!
It's 30 plus years just faded into nowhere and I'm a teenager again. Nothing changed the way it should have and the towns are still all shutting down...
Grande Maestro Terry Hall ! God in skanking now ! Bless up ! RIP🏁🏴
Terry is still painfully shy after all these years... Still a classic track.
i think he cant sing that high like ol days
Terry is perfect.
those wer the fukin days, were did they go, real talent real people, real message!!!
RIP Terry Hall.
Unique Group - R.I.P. Terry
The Specials imo were the best two tone band of the Ska era and Ghost Town is a classic. RIP Terry
The drummer is boss😎
Awesome rim shots.
Back beat boss
I’d like to take that drummer for a whiskey - I’am sure he would have one drop.
@@nicaskey1 I'd take his drumming to my desert island
Loving him but "especially" missing John
RIP Terry. Singing live, singing a bit later in life, singing the same song across the years - they make a great sound still, and I think Terry’s voice is still pretty spot on. There’s one particular place where he doesn’t quite hit the high note but this is live music. Not edited, cleaned up. This performance is a little gem.
Just brilliant. Back in the day this song was how we all began feeling as a post industrial country, but now, with the thanks of 6music we can appreciate just how good the music and the artists actually are. Love this and peace to you Terry. x
RIP Terry. Too much and too young. So sad. You made us all very happy with your music and we will miss you.
I know this song because is one of the soundtrack from my favorite movie snatch :) amazing
Respect
Best version of this song easily, rip terry and John 🙏
Love this. I was sad when John Bradbury died but Terry Hall... The only celebrity death that has ever made me cry.
God, that tele is gorgeous!
I wondered if they could pull off the incredible production on the studio version. It's rough but I really like it.
Simply the best 😢😢😢 RIP SPECIAL MAN TERRY HALL
Superb, greatly missed , rest in peace terry and John 🙏.
Everyone stand up for the Irish National Anthem!
Irish reggae
They're from Coventry, UK, aren't they? But yeah this is a great anthem!
drumstick74 yes they certainly are us coventrians are very proud of our Ska Legacy
@@drumstick74 it's a joke from father Ted and Irish comedy where they only had one record and this was the song that was playing
🤣😂😭
R.I.P Terry!
Absolutely one of the best Specials songs ever!
amazing drummer and bassist . xx
WOW this song describes my town at the moment ! We are living through crazy times ..
Will always listen to The Specials forever
Still an amazing song! I wasn't a big Ska fan at the time ( I always seem to appreciate music a few years after it's release for some reason) but this was always an exception.
I've just watched this again. I now hate all those lucky sods who saw this live! What makes them better than anyone else? I think we should be told!
After all these years, I still love this song.
In Light Of Coronavirus/ Covid-19 Now Would Be The PERFECT Time to Get This Re Released !!!!!!!
Possibly With A Slightly New Lyric Of Course!!!!!
@@Bonoerra2012 "two much coughing on the dance floor"
"can't go out no more"
Karabas! Karabas! Ai bolit!
Gonna miss this man big time 😢
Imagine being a session musician and getting to play on this just Amazing
Guess I'm just going to reiterate all the other complimentary comments left here. This track came out when I was young teenager. Loved it then. Still love it now. I didn't really get it at the time but it's the quintessential, working class response to Thatcher's brutal policies of the 1980's: "You're killing us!". Final quick point - I live in Glasgow but worked a lot, going back & forth, in Coventry for two or three years around 2010. Coventry is the best city in England, without exception! Like Glaswegians, the vast majority of folk from Coventry are really friendly, down to earth, like a good laugh & will talk to anybody. Just don't take the piss! The Town Wall Tavern - best pub ever! Young & old, happily mixing. No pretensions. No worries. So many happy hangovers! I hope it's still cool. So, thanks Coventry for giving me a great time & producing an outstanding ska band with the best tunes!
My home town Coventry also spent many happy childhood years in my mum's home town Glasgow this was my era too 😁
@@julieclark8976 Cheers to you! Hope you’re well.
RIP BRAD :'(
That Trombone section @4:12 YES!
My favourite part, fucking good!
Souvenir de mon séjour scolaire en 1981 pendant 15 jours à Cannock Wood !!
My FAV Ska Band!!!! The SKA/MOD Scene Was So Dope back in the late 70's early 80's!!
Good music is always good, no matter how many time have passed.
Just as SPECIALS as the are!
Beautiful. So great to see Prince Rimshot playing in his characteristic upright style.
John 'Brad' Bradbury.The long-time drummer who sits-up straight while drumming.
THIS IS ONE OF MY FAVORITE SONGS OF ALL TIME...... I GREW UP WITH MUSIC MAN...... 70 S AND EARLY 80 S GANG BIG UP YOURSELVES..... 🇬🇾🇰🇾🇬🇧
49 years old and still makes me romp
Beautiful sound !!!. Only Special can make this british sound so special, so 2 Tone. Long life to the british ska !!!!.
They are human after all! Awesome
Descansa en paz John... Tu aporte a la música fue, es y seguirá siendo por siempre excelente. Gracias infinitas por tu legado!
the best !! i love you !!!
Brilliant ... but very strange to watch The Specials without Jerry Dammers dancing around his organ!
Yeah it ain't the same. What's the rift any way?
Ohh herrr Missus. Very Carry On. 😆
Ghost town is my fav town!!
The first time I heard this, I loved it. Unique
Musical perfection. Bradders playing like a dream.
Awesome! The sound is Perfect!
You are wondering now, what to do, now I know this is MORE SPECIALS 😎
This is AWESOME!!! Sad to hear about the passing of John Bradbury :( Rest in peace John.
40 years already and how prophetic! Great live session
His voice didnt change, do you realize that?
A Classic, no question..
Still Fucking Awesome!
Rest in peace Terry but don’t forget also that the drummer John (brad) Bradbury also left us !! May they both rest in eternal peace and thanks for the memories 🙏👍
to me its about the lyrics and the times , they got it so right. Ska will always move me . Specials are special .
Cuando tenia 15 años escuche a este grupo... quede impresionado por su estilo, y no he escuchado algo parecido con esa calidad de musicos. Esta cancion sin duda es una de las mas representativas del Ska, todavia se me eriza la piel carajo!!!
Simon dorsett the special are fabulous the songs help me with my disability Simon
Insane and so stands the test of time.....
Qué pieza musical más exquisita !!!
Awesome! Rip Rico, Rip Brad 🙏🏾
Had the privelege of being right at front at Wolverhampton Civic Nov 2016 and must say 'BEST' gig ive seen.....
love this song
Love these guys!!!
RIP Rico. Not a bad trombone cover.
Wonderful song.
Amazing!!!
this music is never enough hearing it
Happy Halloween. Best ska band.
Mr. fearless Yes....happy HAPPY halloween
Legends!!!!
Loved it when it came out! Still love it! The start still sends 'shivers'! 🙂
Utterly brilliant.
Wow. Fantastic!
I would still pay to go and see this band either Coventry or nuneaton! My youth 💖
This is simply brilliant....I for one appreciate it..... if you don’t never mind.
C'est bon, c'est excellent!Que du plaisir!
Recuerdo cuando tenía 17 años y esto era lo que escuchaba. Un buen cassette con esta canción y mis botas dr Martín. Nunca muere el ska
Amo esta canción
Horace..... Solid as always. Good lad!
Bass cuts through so beautifully on this mix
Drum and Bass...Specials Strike again!! top band with the english Beat....
Éternamente agradecido con the specials, son lo máximo, saludos desde Venezuela.
Waooo ya 15 años pasaron desde la primera vez que escuché está rola. Hermosa melancolía 🤘🏽🤘🏽🤘🏽
so beautiful, this performance is perfect, un saludo para la banda que era sigue contorreando!!! Viva México!!
que grandes que son!!!
lads bravo what would ska be without u ,, nothing
Thanks Stew -- yes let's get your friend on the Park Runs. I like the slightly rough live sound they got -- and two really scrumptious guitars, esp. that red tele with the binding.
Sounds so clean
Brilliant stuff. RIP Brad.
wow that was great
best song ever