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2-Tone-2-Dispatches from the 2-Tone City - 30 years on is a follow-up to Pete’s book The 2-Tone Trail, which looked at some of the locations throughout Coventry that played a part in the rise of bands, such as The Specials, The Selecter and many others.ÌýÌý

This new book looks in depth at the music that came out of Coventry 30-years ago.

Horace Panter at the party

Packed with photos, news, memories, and stories of how the music has affected the lives of those old enough to remember its impact the first time round – and how it is still influencing young up and coming bands.

Book launch

The book was recently launched in true style at a secret location, and brought together members of The Specials, The Selector and other local music legends, including Ray King. Modern day 2-Tone band, Special Brew, also kicked off the evening.

Like a very special 2-Tone super-group, they took to the stage and played to the audience – many of who were dressed in black and white! – late into the night. Some were re-living memories of their youth and some were seeing these respected musicians playing live for the very first time.

Special Brew at the book launch

Talking about the book, Pete Chambers said: “This is the first of many projects I’m involved with to mark the 30th Anniversary of Coventry’s finest musical export.

Skanking on stage (Photo: John Coles)

“This is the city it all came from, we missed out celebrating the 25th, but next year promises to be something very special. When I began writing this book I never dreamed the band (Members of The Specials) would reform just as it was being published, we just managed to include all that, we literally went to print the very next day.�

At the end of the book launch party, everyone took to the stage for a rendition of Enjoy Yourself. If they were playing an instrument, they were dancing - or skanking! - along to the music.

Pete will be in Coventry Market signing his new book on Saturday, 25 October and on Tuesday, 4 November, at his special 2-Tone market Stall.ÌýHe will also be at Borders at the Arena on 1 November and Waterstones, Cathedral Lanes on 15 November.