Arts & Culture
The O2 Academy presents three generations, and legends, of Ska

Academy Events by arrangement with Midnight Mango, presents a super rare and exclusive opportunity to see Legends of Ska music, together on the same bill at O2 venues across the UK, including Oxford April 8.

Neville Staple is credited with changing the face of pop music not only once but twice.

His 40-year career in the music business is well documented. From the early days with his Jah Baddis Sound System, The Coventry Automatics, The Specials, & Fun Boy Three in the ‘70s and 80’s, to The Special Beat and various other collaborations during his solo career from the 90’s up to the present day.

Following on from the 2009 Specials reunion and his departure from the band in late 2012, he continues to be a forerunner of the Ska movement, and continues to thrill audiences with his own excellent band at venues and festival appearances worldwide. His highly celebrated album ‘Return of Judge Roughneck’ was released in 2017 to outstanding reviews.

This is a world exclusive first, where the legendary Stranger Cole shares the tour stage, with Neville Staple, for a super double billing. Stranger Cole, a legendary artist from Jamaica, who has written and produced some of the most iconic ska, rocksteady and reggae songs on the scene and worked alongside other greats, such as Prince Buster and Ken Boothe. He has inspired generations of musicians especially ska and 2Tone artists, including the Original Rude Boy Neville Staple.

Cole recently asked Sugary Staple, wife of Neville, to do a reworking of his classic hit (with Patsy Todd), ‘When You Call My Name’. The duet by Sugary and Neville, which is due to be released and performed to coincide with the tour, is what inspired this 3 Generations of Ska Tour. With the AC30’S and the Neville Staple Band’s top musicians providing the excellent jamboree of music through the decades, from the 1960’s right through to present day, plus other super supporting bands, this tour is set to be one of the highlights of the year for fans of ska and 2Tone, with Punk, Bluebeat and Rocksteady infusions. Get your stomping feet ready for a legendary, nostalgic and exclusive musical feast.

Ska is one of the most versatile and long-lasting genres of music alive today. It has derived from many influences and stands the test of time, with many originators still taking to the stage Worldwide, plus new young bands taking up the musical reigns

Neville Staple is credited with changing the face of pop music not only once but twice.

His 40-year career in the music business is well documented. From the early days with his Jah Baddis Sound System, The Coventry Automatics, The Specials, & Fun Boy Three in the ‘70s and 80’s, to The Special Beat and various other collaborations during his solo career from the 90’s up to the present day.

Following on from the 2009 Specials reunion and his departure from the band in late 2012, he continues to be a forerunner of the Ska movement, and continues to thrill audiences with his own excellent band at venues and festival appearances worldwide. His highly celebrated album ‘Return of Judge Roughneck’ was released in 2017 to outstanding reviews.

This is a world exclusive first, where the legendary Stranger Cole shares the tour stage, with Neville Staple, for a super double billing. Stranger Cole, a legendary artist from Jamaica, who has written and produced some of the most iconic ska, rocksteady

and reggae songs on the scene and worked alongside other greats, such as Prince Buster and Ken Boothe. He has inspired generations of musicians especially ska and 2Tone artists, including the Original Rude Boy Neville Staple.

Cole recently asked Sugary Staple, wife of Neville, to do a reworking of his classic hit (with Patsy Todd), ‘When You Call My Name’. The duet by Sugary and Neville, which is due to be released and performed to coincide with the tour, is what inspired this 3 Generations of Ska Tour. With the AC30’S and the Neville Staple Band’s top musicians providing the excellent jamboree of music through the decades, from the 1960’s right through to present day, plus other super supporting bands, this tour is set to be one of the highlights of the year for fans of ska and 2Tone, with Punk, Bluebeat and Rocksteady infusions. Get your stomping feet ready for a legendary, nostalgic and exclusive musical feast.

Ska is one of the most versatile and long-lasting genres of music alive today. It has derived from many influences and stands the test of time, with many originators still taking to the stage Worldwide, plus new young bands taking up the musical reigns.