Specials: 'Dammers missing out on reunion'

Terry Hall has claimed that The Specials keyboard player and main songwriter Jerry Dammers is missing out by not rejoining the recently-reformed group.

The influential ska band reformed in 2008 and played the main stage at Bestival under the name Terry Hall and Friends.

Hall told The Guardian: "He's f**king missing out. He's missing out on being in this incredible band.

"We haven't changed that much, we still take the p*ss out of each other, there's an understanding there that hasn't gone away. And he's missing out on that, and it's sad for him, to be honest."

Drummer John Bradbury said that he spoke to Dammers during 2008 but that there was not a "meeting of the ways".

He added that the songwriter wanted to do a large one-off gig rather than a full tour.

Last year, MC Neville Staple said it was important for the band to perform well at their reunion to avoid being laughed at by fans.

The Specials are playing their 30th Anniversary Tour this spring at the following venues:

• April 22 - Newcastle, Academy
• April 23 - Sheffield, Academy
• April 25 - Birmingham, Academy
• April 26 - Birmingham, Academy
• April 28 - Glasgow, Academy
• May 3 - Manchester, Apollo
• May 6 - London, Brixton Academy
• May 7 - London, Brixton Academy