Neville Staple quits The Specials

Buy photos » Neville Staple at The Specials gig at the Ricoh last year. Photo by Jamie Gray 44.011.020.cov.jg7

NEVILLE Staple has announced he will not be joining The Specials on their UK tour.

The original rudeboy said he had enjoyed the latest comeback but would be taking a step back from the 70's band.

The news came after rumours were raised when he failed to join them for a special performance at BBC radio station Six Music.

And soon after the gig he told his Facebook page: "Some of you may have noticed my absence from The Specials performance on BBC 6 Music on 12th December, so before rumours begin, I thought I had better clarify the situation.

"Despite enjoying the last few years with the rest of the guys, I decided to take a back seat with The Specials and not participate in either the radio performance or in the next tour.

"I wish you all and everyone in The Specials a merry Christmas and all the best for 2013."

Staple is currently on tour around the UK and played a special gig at Coventry University last week.

Ska legends The Specials play a ten-date UK tour in May at venues including Leicester and Birmingham, but not Coventry.

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