The Selecter, Exeter Phoenix, Saturday 2nd March, 8pm
The Selecter pioneered the ska revival movement alongside labelmates, The Specials and Madness, and were responsible for some of the scene’s classic hits, including On My Radio, Three Minute Hero, Missing Words and Too Much Pressure.
The Selecter’s iconic frontwoman Pauline Black is reverently referred to as the First Rudegirl of Ska – and with good reason, with Rolling Stone Magazine declaring, ‘hands down, Pauline Black possessed the best voice that ever graced a 2-Tone release,’ and Gwen Stefani citing her as one of her formative influences.
Since Black reunited with the band’s brilliantly charismatic Toaster Gaps Hendrick in 2010 to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of their classic Too Much Pressure, this refreshed and revitalised line-up have been the recipients of a wave of critical and popular acclaim for both their brilliant 2011 album, Made In Britain, and their incendiary live performances.
Made In Britain explores the multicultural landscape of today’s Britain and beyond. Mixing ska, pop and reggae in their inimitable style, it reflects the social and political issues confronting Britain’s new multicultural society in 2011. Just as they gave a voice to disaffected youth across the racial divide in Thatcher’s recessionary Britain thirty years ago, The Selecter have returned to a 21st Century British landscape with an unnerving number of parallels to those dark times.
The 2-tone legacy continues because the idea of multiculturalism began when black and white youth, who had grown up in Britain decided to get together and make music that reflected their particular world. Made In Britain seeks to continue that conversation and carry their ‘Multiculturalism rules!’ message forward to a new generation.
EXETER PHOENIX, Bradninch Place, Gandy Street, Exeter EX4 3LS.
Doors 8pm. (Standing Show)
Tickets: £15 in Advance
Tickets availabe from Exeter Phoenix Box Office, phone: 01392 667080 or online at Midnight Mango, Exeter Phoenix. Booking fees may apply.