This Week: Former Specials star Neville Staple, who appeared at the Palace on Thursday (From Bridgwater Mercury)

This Week: Former Specials star Neville Staple, who appeared at the Palace on Thursday

3:27pm Tuesday 6th May 2008 in Your Say

This week, former member of ska legends The Specials and now solo performer Neville Staple, who appeared at the Palace nightclub in Bridgwater on Thursday.

Neville Staple was born in Christiana, Jamaica, in 1956. He was originally a roadie for the Coventry-based second-wave ska band The Specials before joining the band as a second vocalist.

He is known for his deep, baritone voice and features on hits such as Ghost Town, Too Much Too Young and Enjoy Yourself.

Staple formed the Fun Boy Three with Terry Hall and Lynval Golding after The Specials disbanded and now tours the country as a solo artist.

His daughter Sheena Staple lives in the US and is working on a solo album. His son Darren Simms is lead singer of US reggae/rock outfit DreadStarr.

What is the best thing about Bridgwater?

"I love how it is out of the city. It is very relaxing venturing into the town with all the peaceful scenery. It's different to travelling from London to Luton, for example."

What is the best and worst thing about your job?

"The best thing about my job is playing live. I love it. The worst thing is not working."

What was your ambition as a child?

"You're not going to believe this but, when I was 12 years old, I saw Top of the Pops and instantly wanted to be on it. I'm proud to have achieved this dream."

What has been your greatest achievement?

"My greatest achievement would be touring the world as a solo artist and without The Specials."

What characteristic do you dislike most in others and in yourself?

"I find it hard to trust people. If people can trust me, I can trust them. I also dislike people who are untruthful."

What is your biggest fear?

"My biggest fear is heights. I hate them."

When and where were you happiest?

"About 20 years ago, while with The Specials, I returned to Jamaica to visit my mother. I hadn't seen her since I was five years old. That's when I was happiest."

What three items would you take to a desert island?

"A woman, a tool box and my sanity."

Who are your dream dinner party guests (maximum five)?

"Sting, David Brent, Jerry Dammers, Elvis Costello and myself."

How would you like to be remembered?

"As someone who enjoyed life and was a good laugh."