THE UNOFFICIAL AND DEFINITVE HISTORY OF TWO TONE

WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY MARK BEDFORD OF MADNESS

A painstakingly comprehensive study of an enduring and deeply influential cultural phenomenon.

By 1979, punk had grown up and smacked of an 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 lightening fast 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 70’s/early 80’s but also in Two Tone’s punk and ska predecessors. With Sent From Coventry, author Richard Eddington meticulously examines the pre-Two Tone lives of pivotal figures within this unique youth movement such as Jerry Dammers and The Specials, The Selector, Madness, The Beat, Dexy’s Midnight Runners, 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 seemed to be fragmenting into scattered pieces.

Eddington has collated extensive interview material with key band members, insights from industry commentators such as broadcasting legend John Peel, record producers and also friends and associates of the numerous bands. The culmination of three years of exhaustive research, this book compellingly recounts for the very first time how a monochrome and embattled Britain was re-energised and coloured by Two Tone and its subsequent lasting legacy.