The Specials add second Olympia date

When The Specials reformed back in 2008 and subsequently embarked on their first tour back the following year to celebrate their 30th anniversary, organisers were caught off guard by the sheer rate in which shows sold out. With fans evidently eager to take in as much of what was their third reunion as possible, further dates were hurriedly added in what was a landmark year for the group's history that culminated in them picking up the Inspiration Award at the Q Awards.

Fast forward nearly ten years and the situation is markedly similar - albeit it's not a reunion this time - as "phenomenal demand" has been the given reason twice this week for the addition of extra dates to the Coventry outfit's upcoming 40th anniversary tour.

Before setting off on an extensive UK tour (which has been extended further with another show at London’s O2 Academy Brixton to finish off proceedings in May), the ska band had previously announced a date for Dublin's Olympia Theatre for the 11th of April next year, and have now sandwiched in an extra show for the following night.

The tour will serve to support and celebrate the release of a new album titled Encore, which is scheduled to drop on the 1st of February. The record will include a second disc that features some of The Specials' best live performances, on top the new material and covers that the first disc will wield. The album will mark the band's first release since 2001's Conquering Ruler.

Tickets for The Specials' second date at the Olympia on the 12th of April 2019 will go on sale this Friday at 9am from Ticketmaster, and are priced from €55.65 including booking and restoration fees.