Special AKA Gangsters 7" Rough Trade Orig Cov version
£
30
$
40
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Description
The Special AKA - Gangsters & The Selecter
This auction is for an extremely rare copy of Gangsters by the Special AKA (one of only 5,000). This is the pressing sold by the band themselves in Coventry before it was played on John Peel for the first time... and the rest is history. This version was distributed by Rough Trade before signing to a national label... for interest (although I doubt it increases the value), the copy in this auction was sold to me by the drummer John Bradbury.
The text below is from the Specials story on their official website: (http://www.thespecials.com/history2.php)
"Short of cash, the band couldn't afford to record a B-side for the single, so a demo recorded two years earlier by Brad, Barry Jones and Neol Davis was dug out, billed as The Selecter by The Selecter, and stuck on the flip side. They called their new label '2 Tone'.
Jerry then approached Rough Trade for distribution of the new single, who agreed to press 5000 copies. He then got talking to 'The Damned' manager Rick Rogers, who on hearing the single, and then seeing the bands stunning live performance, leapt on board as manager."
It has a paper central ring, but the paper sleeve is the thing that really distinguishes this copy from others you might see. Hand stamped on it by the band is the slogan "The Special A.K.A Gangsters" and "VS. THE SELECTER".
The record itself is in MINT condition. The cover is a little brown on the fringes with age, but there are no rips or tears.
Will send anywhere in the world, very well protected in thick card and via recorded, insured delivery.
Please view all my auctions over the coming weeks for rare punk, new wave and reggae vinyl.
View my feedback and bid in confidence.
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