The Specials
The South by Southwest Music Festival and Conference is in full swing here in Austin, Texas. In honor of The Specials’ upcoming performance, today we feature the video for their classic track “A Message to You Rudy.” The song was originally performed by Dandy Livingstone in 1967, but The Specials gave it true notoriety when they covered the ditty in 1979. Just two years earlier, the band had formed in Coventry, England, putting their stamp on the ska revival.
You gotta love this iconic group’s mod style and punk spirit. Warning: this track will get inside of your head and make you want to start summer a few months early. Good thing it’s spring break! For a great Austin Chronicle SXSW interview featuring The Specials, click here. Oh, and Happy Friday…
God, I love, love, love this song. Great pick!
Thanks for reading! This song will always be one of my favorites. I heard it at the grocery store the other day (I really don’t like grocery shopping 😉 ) and it somehow made everything OK!