2Tone Trail of Coventry

On a recent trip to Coventry, I was pleased to find out that local journalist and 2Tone obsessive Pete Chambers had spent the last few years putting together a '2Tone Trail'. With official support from local authorities, Pete has highlighted several places around the City that were influential in the birth of the 2Tone movement. From the youth club were many of The Selecter and The Specials would hang out as teenagers to Horizon Studios were a majority of the 2Tone music was recorded. Each location has an official plaque on the wall, much like the familiar Blue Plaques we know and love, except these are black and white. Each unveiling of the past years has had a 2Tone presence from Pauline Black to Buster Bloodvessel.

As a fan of all things 2Tone, this was a fascinating tour around Coventry. An official 2Tone Tour leaflet is available and I clutched mine with great anticipation as I did the walk. I wasn't dissapointed. I saw a few places where Madness played in those early 2Tone days too and just tried to imagine what it must have been like more than thirty years ago..

Having made a small video back in the summer tracing some 'Madness Video Locations' around Camden, it seemed obvious to make The 2Tone Trail as a sequel. I learned a lot from this small tour and hope that other 2Tone fans may enjoy it too. (Mick Jenner)

Category:

Music

Tags:

• 2tone
• ska
• coventry
• the
• specials
• selecter
• pete
• chambers