Date/Time
Date(s) - 11/11/2021
18:00

Location
Coventry Cathedral Priory Street

Categories

• Peace Lecture

Neville and Christine Staple will be delivering Coventry Lord Mayor’s Peace Lecture 2021 on 11th November 2021.

Christine and Neville say “We would like to entitle our talk as ‘THE SOUNDS OF UNITY – YAHSO’. – We plan to relate to sections of Neville’s biography, the 2Tone Movement, relating to ska and reggae lyrics historically from the streets of Jamaica (people gathered together to hear the latest news lyrically toasted to them, as a form of audio news readings with music), across to the working classes of UK cities (initially), later combining punk rock attitude with Caribbean influences and rhythm. A whole movement that brought different cultures together, at a time when racial tension was at an all-time high (from mid 70’s into the 80’s). We will also relate to both Neville and my own experiences of growing up during these times and beyond and how music was key in bringing people together through common cause. We will also relate all of this to present day and some of the ways in which we, and others, encourage peaceful diversity through our music and events still”.

To book your place please visit this page. Doors open 6pm.

Live streaming from 7pm at https://www.facebook.com/RISINGGlobalPeaceForum

Neville was a regular fixture at the Locarno Ballroom in Coventry, where he met the resident DJ there, Pete Waterman. Waterman briefly managed the Specials and would later write the foreword to Staple’s 2009 biography, “Original Rude Boy”. His early vocal style was mostly “toasting”—or chanting over a rhythm—a forerunner of rapping brought to Britain in the 1960s by musicians from Jamaica. Neville honed his toasting skills in the sound system scene in Coventry during the 1970s, first on his cousin’s “Messenger Sound” and later his own system called “Jah Baddis”.

In the Specials, Staple sang lead vocals on some tracks or additional and backing vocals alongside Terry Hall’s lead. He also contributed to the writing of many of their songs. Christine “Sugary” Staple has been writing, producing and performing in film, video and music since her teens and is the wife and manager of the Original Rude boy Neville. She is especially known for bringing energy, charisma and fun to the stage during tours and shows.

The event will be part of the RISING Global Peace Forum.