Coventry’s heritage as the home of 2-Tone has been firmly stamped with a tour and series of plaques to guide fans through a 30-year history of the unique record label and scene across the city. Celebrating 3 decades in 2009 The Specials cultural and historical impact from when they first exploded onto the scene in their hometown is now officially recognized.

The 11 locations across Coventry first originated from Pete Chambers book’s 2-Tone, and the later titled 2-Tone-2. Initially the DIY tour comprised of 20 major sites in and around Coventry until the music Historian and author secured funding for an initial eight plaques around the city. However, after the unveiling of the first eight, and the linked events around them, a further three plaques were funded.

“2-Tone is an important part of our culture and heritage as far as Coventry is concerned, and is something which should be preserved”, comments Pete. “Coventry now has a new tourist attraction in the 2-Tone trail, which is something for the fans to enjoy. In music form, 2-Tone was a record label and a movement, and often a declaration of a right to exist regardless of your creed or colour. I am so proud that it started in Coventry and that it’s able to continue with its message”.

The 2 Tone scene helped break down racial barriers with their Caribbean influence and multi-racial music in a multi-cultural city, while in the past 30 years it has helped tackle racism from its input in ‘Rock Against Racism’ through to its modern equivalent ‘Love Music, Hate Racism’ in which The Beat and Jerry Dammers both played this year.

The plaques have been unveiled one at a time by ska pioneers, starting way back in January 2009 at the Canal Basin by Roddy Bryers and Horace Panter of The Specials. The run down area was used for a photo shoot by The Specials in 1979, with the image taken by photographer Chalkie Davies going on to become the iconic front and rear cover of The Specials debut album, and also the rear of the More Specials LP.

The 11 locations of the Trail

1: Coventry University
Jerry Dammers, Horace Panter, and Pauline Black all attended the then Polytechnic and it was also the location for the Rat Race video.

2: The Hand and Heart Pub
Home to emerging 2-Tone bands including Hardtop 22 (later forming Selecter) and The Coventry Automatics (later returning as The Specials).

3: The Binley Oak
Prime rehearsal location for Coventry’s 2-Tone bands. It’s where Pauline Black first became a member of Selecter.

4: The Canal Basin
The location for The Specials’ first album cover.

5: The Birthplace of 2-Tone
Jerry Dammers flat which doubled up as the HQ for 2-Tone Records.

6: Horizon Studios / The Rocket
The studios, which no longer stand, were where most of 2-Tone was recorded.

7: Holyhead Road Youth Club
Neville Staple first met The Specials here and was also resident DJ.

8: Mr George Nightclub
The Automatics played a four-month Monday night residency here at the famous Ska venue.

9: Tiffany’s Nightclub
Now a library the once major ska venue is where Chuck Berry also recorded his only number one hit (My Ding-A-Ling).

10: Virgin Records / Soul Hole
The base for Pete Waterman before becoming a global phenomenon.

11: The Heath Hotel
The venue which hosted The Specials first ever gig.

The 2-Tone Trail takes around three hours to complete. More information can be found at www.2-Toneat30.info

Words: James Drakeford