THE SPECIALS (MINUS JERRY DAMMERS) TO PLAY U.S.

The Specials reunion is definitely coming to the U.S. Other than doing Coachella, they'll be doing some U.S. shows including one in New York.  They'll also be playing Jimmy Fallon's show. Not that The Specials need any backing, but it would be cool if they jammed with The Roots.

It's just too bad that they couldn't make it work out with founder/leader/keyboardist/songwriter Jerry Dammers.

MADNESS AND THE SPECIALS TO TOUR?

Madness frontman Suggs told the UK's Daily Star that the elusive Jerry Dammers may actually re-join the reunited Specials next year. I think that the Star is kind of like the UK's version of the NY Post - that is to say, very gossipy and not super credible - but if they're right this is cool news.

Jerry Dammers is the keyboardist and songwriter and leader of The Specials, and has had beef with his former band and their intent to reunite with or without him. Hopefully, Suggs is right about this. A Specials/Madness tour would be a great time - I'm sure Suggs was referring to a UK/Europe tour, but I bet it would be a big hit at certain cities in the US.

NEXT REUNION: THE SPECIALS

The BBC is reporting that The Specials are going to be going on a reunion tour. They did reunite in the '90s, they did an album and toured, but they were missing some key members - keyboardist/leader Jerry Dammers and singer Terry Hall. They sounded more like Ub40, I thought. This time, they say Terry Hall will be involved, but no word on Jerry Dammers. Still, that would be a fun show to see, but I doubt Terry Hall will be onboard.