Sent from Coventry: The Chequered Past of Two Tone by Eddington, Richard (2004) Paperback

by Richard Eddington

By 1979, punk had grown up and smacked of almost middle-aged respectability. Waiting in the wings, punk's smarter, but no less snotty little brother - Two Tone - was about to emerge. Within two years, Two Tone had become the dominant music, fashion and dissenting voice of a disillusioned generation. It is a story rooted in the socio-economic climate of the late '70s/early '80s but also in Two Tone's punk and ska predecessors. With this title, Richard Eddington examines the pre-Two Tone lives of pivotal figures within this unique youth movment such as Jerry Dammers and The Specials, The Selector, Bad Manners et al. He follows their story from before the birth of Two Tone through to its sudden demise at the peak of its influence, coincidentally just as British society itself seemd to be fragmenting into scattered pieces. Eddington has collated extensive interview material with key band members, insights from industry commentators such as broadcaster John Peel, record producers and also friends and associates of the numerous bands. This book recounts how a monochrome and embattled Britain was re-energized and coloured by Two Tone and its subsequent lasting legacy.

Genres: Music

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004