Horace Panter talks to Trevor Reekie about his career in the band which he documented in his book 'Ska'd for Life: A Personal Journey with The Specials' published in 2008.
The original line up of the Coventry based band The Specials in 1977 was initiated by keyboard player, singer and songwriter Jerry Dammers who recruited guitarist Lynval Golding and bass player Horace Panter.
The band became a fixture on the UK charts releasing a steady stream of ska infused hit singles on their own Two-Tone label before imploding in 1984. That was also the year The Specials AKA swinging anthem Free Nelson Mandela was a fixture on the local New Zealand charts.
Lynval Golding, Terry Hall, Horace Panter Photo: Supplied
The Specials later reformed without Dammers and continue to have a strong global following that saw them play Womad NZ in 2017. For Music 101, founding member and bassist for the band, Horace Panter talked to Trevor Reekie about his career in the band which he documented in his book 'Ska'd for Life: A Personal Journey with The Specials' published in 2008.
