2 Tone Scene in Coventry

Coventry's newest museum, cafe and live music venue is now open. It is located just inside the Coventry University Students Union building in Priory Street - just over the road from the Cathedral steps and to the left of the square with the water feature and big stone balls. There is a nice collection of 2 Tone memorabilia - much of it donated by members of The Specials, Selecter etc. - and a wonderful mock-up of a teenage fan's bedroom of the period (Rudy's Bedroom). It's well worth a visit and well done to Pete Chambers (pictured in Rudy's Bedroom) and all those who have put the hard work in and got this venture up and running. 2-Tone Central - The 2-Tone Museum, Cafe and Venue There is a facebook group : http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=437199385343 (you need to be logged into facebook!)

Following on from 2-Tone - Does anyone know if the Fun Boy Three's "It ain't what you do" and its video here featured one of our very own Subways?

We were in Coventry last Friday and, following recommendations, had breakfast at the 2Tone Cafe. I can thoroughly endorse it; an excellent full English with toast and tea for four quid. In the evening it becomes the Simmer Down Restaurant, specialising in Caribbean food, and we shall be trying that very soon too.

That's really interesting Mr D Di Have you tried the evening menu yet?

Hi there, I am a Coventry University student studying a BA in Photography and Media, I am currently completing an assignment which is covering the style in the 2 Tone scene. I have been researching into the history of the 2 Tone scene and have interviewed and photographed the likes of Neville Staples from the 2 Tone band ‘The Specials’. What I am really interested in is capturing is fashion shots in the style of the 2 Tone ska era. I am reaching out to anyone who has any information about Coventry during this time in the late 70s/80s and anyone who can give me an insight to the ska fashion of that time. Any recommended places to go and see will be very useful to my research Thanks!

Coventry Music Museum reviews Ska fashion How to Dress like a 2 Tone Ska fan Warrior Vintage 2 Tone Check Tank Top great ska clothing The only place I ve seen sell this fashion is on Amazon for sale

Hi Ibrown and welcome - what you really need is Mark Osbournes fantastic Coventry music site - A visual record of the Coventry music scene, 1979–1981 - here The Specials Festival Against Racism gig at The Butts (I was there!) is a classic example:

"Rico Rodriguez : The Specials' trombonist dies aged 80" BBC News

2 Tone Fund Raiser event photos

Sad news. :-( I always loved 'Ghost Town' when I was a kid and it was a big hit (And too young to really understand what it was about.)

Ghost Town was a UK Number One, topping the charts for 3 weeks in July 1981. It was set against a background of hopelessness, recession and urban decay as Thatcherism ravaged industrial cities, and of course the protests that were happening in those cities. I remember there was an accompanying video that was played with the song on some occasions at the time. My ex-wife at that time worked at Coventry Sports Centre and watched the film being made in the bridge link from the swimming baths. Later another film was used which was a bit less surreal, with the band driving around a derelict city.

Rest in Peace John 'Brad' Bradbury

This was the video and it was all filmed in London