History
2-Tone is a musical genre that originated in the late 1970s in England. It was a fusion of ska and punk music that reflected the social and political climate of the time. In this blog post, we will explore the history of the 2-Tone movement and its significance in the music world.
The origins of 2-Tone can be traced back to the ska revival of the late 1970s. Ska is a Jamaican music genre that emerged in the 1950s and evolved from R&B, jazz and calypso music. Ska music became popular in the UK in the 1960s with the rise of bands like The Skatalites, Prince Buster and The Specials. However, by the mid-1970s, the popularity of ska had declined, and it had been replaced by punk music.
In the late 1970s, a new generation of musicians emerged who were influenced by both ska and punk music. These musicians combined the Jamaican ska beat with the energy and attitude of punk rock to create a new sound that was known as 2-Tone. The name of the genre came from the record label 2 Tone Records which was founded by Jerry Dammers of The Specials in 1979.
The first wave of 2-Tone bands included The Specials, The Selecter, Madness, The Beat, and The Bodysnatchers. These bands were all multi-racial and had a strong anti-racist message. They used their music to address social and political issues such as unemployment, racism, and discrimination. The lyrics of their songs were often politically charged and called for unity and equality.
One of the most significant aspects of 2-Tone music was its fashion. The bands' unique style included a mix of mod, punk, and Jamaican influences. The iconic 2-Tone checkerboard pattern became a symbol of the movement, and many fans adopted the style as a way of showing their support for the bands and their message.
2-Tone music became popular not only in the UK but in other parts of the world as well. Bands like The Specials and Madness had chart-topping hits, and their music videos were played on MTV. The genre's influence can still be heard in modern music today, with bands such as No Doubt and The Mighty Mighty Bosstones citing 2-Tone as an inspiration.
However, like many musical movements, 2-Tone came to an end in the early 1980s. Many of the bands disbanded, and the genre faded from the mainstream. However, its legacy lives on, and the music continues to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
Notable artists
The Specials: The Coventry-based band was one of the pioneers of the 2-Tone movement, blending ska, punk, and new wave. Known for their politically charged lyrics, they delivered hits like "A Message to You Rudy" and "Ghost Town".
Madness: Hailing from Camden, Madness rose to fame in the late 70s with their unique brand of pop-fueled ska music. They dominated the charts with hits like "Our House", "One Step Beyond", and "Baggy Trousers".
The Beat: Formed in Birmingham, The Beat infused a social and political conscience into their infectious dance beats. They rose to fame with hits like "Mirror in the Bathroom" and "Save It for Later".
The Selecter: This Coventry-based band was fronted by the powerful voice of Pauline Black. They were known for their socially conscious lyrics, ska and soul-infused rhythms, and hits like "On My Radio" and "Too Much Pressure".
Bad Manners: Led by the charismatic Buster Bloodvessel, Bad Manners brought a sense of fun and humor to 2-Tone. They gained popularity with hits like "Lip Up Fatty" and "Special Brew".
The Bodysnatchers: An all-female band hailing from London, The Bodysnatchers brought a feminist perspective to 2-Tone with tracks like "Let's Do Rock Steady" and "Easy Life".
The English Beat: The American version of The Beat, they found success in the States with hits like "Tears of a Clown" and "I Confess". Infusing rock and soul into their ska sound, they bridged the gap between two very different music scenes.
The Untouchables: Based in Los Angeles, The Untouchables became the first American band signed to 2-Tone records. Their energetic live shows and mix of ska, rock, and R&B made them one of the most popular bands in the scene.
The Special AKA: The evolution of The Specials, The Special AKA continued to explore themes of racism and injustice. Their song "Nelson Mandela" became a symbol of protest against apartheid.
The Toasters: With roots in New York City's downtown punk scene, The Toasters brought a harder edge to 2-Tone. Their fast-paced ska sound and electrifying live shows influenced a new generation of ska bands in the States.
Broader context
One of the most iconic books about the 2-Tone movement is "Two-Tone: The Specials and a World in Flame" by George Marshall. The book examines the cultural, social, and political climate that gave birth to 2-Tone and its impact on British music. According to Marshall, "The Specials and 2-Tone paved the way for a generation of black and white musicians, breaking down racial barriers and exemplifying how music can be a force for social change." Through his writing, Marshall demonstrates how the genre changed the landscape of British music and paved the way for a more inclusive society.
Another influential book on the subject is "Latent Talent: The History of Ska" by Sean Rumsey. The book examines the history of Ska music and its evolution into 2-Tone. According to Rumsey, "2-Tone was a movement that recognized the marginalization of working-class youth and their struggles against institutional racism and social inequality." Through his writing, Rumsey emphasizes how 2-Tone was a political movement that used music to give voice to those who had been silenced by society.
One of the most notable quotes about 2-Tone comes from Jerry Dammers, the founder of The Specials. In an interview with The Independent, Dammers said, "We wanted to make music for people, not for record companies or radio stations. We felt that the world was changing and that we had to change with it." Dammers' quote emphasizes that 2-Tone was a movement that prioritized people over profit and commercial success. The genre was about making a difference in the world and addressing social and political issues through music.
Another notable quote about 2-Tone comes from Pauline Black, the lead singer of The Selecter. In an interview with The Guardian, Black said, "2-Tone was about being different and celebrating that difference. We wanted to embrace diversity and show that people of different races and backgrounds could come together and make something special." Black's quote highlights the inclusivity of the 2-Tone movement and how it helped break down racial barriers in British society.
The late 1970s and early 1980s in the UK were marked by social and economic turmoil. The country was going through a recession, and unemployment levels were high. The rise of Thatcherism and the Conservative Party marked a significant shift in the political landscape of the country. The government's policies were centered around free-market capitalism, which led to the privatization of several public services, including healthcare and education. In this context, working-class communities were hit the hardest, and there was a sense of alienation and frustration.
Culturally, the late 1970s and early 1980s were marked by punk rock, which had emerged in the mid-1970s. Punk music spoke to the youth rebellion against the establishment and the conservative norms of the society. The punk ethos was embodied in the DIY (do it yourself) spirit, which rejected commercialization and the mainstream music industry. By the early 1980s, punk rock had started to wane, and the youth were searching for something new.
2-Tone emerged as a response to the social and cultural context of the time. The genre was born out of the ska and rocksteady scenes of the 1960s and early 1970s, which had been popular among working-class youth and Black communities. The music was upbeat, danceable, and had a distinct political message. In the late 1970s, a new wave of ska bands emerged, infused with the punk spirit and a renewed interest in the genre.
Notable record labels that played a significant role in the emergence of 2-Tone include 2 Tone Records and Stiff Records. 2-Tone Records, founded in 1979 by Jerry Dammers, was named after the distinctive black and white look of the record labels and merchandise. The label's roster included notable bands such as The Specials, Madness, and The Selecter. Stiff Records, founded in 1976, had been a significant player in the punk rock scene and signed bands such as Motorhead, Elvis Costello, and Ian Dury. The label signed The Belle Stars, a 2-Tone band, in the early 1980s.
Journalists played a crucial role in shaping the discourse around 2-Tone. Paul Morley, a music journalist and critic, coined the term "New Pop" to describe the emerging genres, including 2-Tone. The term was meant to differentiate the music from the punk rock movement, which was seen as outdated. Morley's contribution was important in establishing 2-Tone as a distinct musical movement, separate from punk rock.
Other notable figures in the 2-Tone movement include Jerry Dammers, the founder of The Specials, and Neville Staple, the band's vocalist. The Specials' music was marked by a mix of ska, punk, and reggae, with politically charged lyrics that spoke to the experiences of working-class communities. The band's aesthetic, which included black suits, white shirts, and black ties, was a deliberate attempt to challenge the racist stereotypes associated with skinhead culture.