Olympia, Dublin: Dublin was far from a ghost town over the past few days, although you could spot several apparitions in two-tone scarves, pork-pie hats and Fred Perry shirts, making their merry way to TheSpecials' 30th anniversary reunion tour. This reviewer last saw The Specials in the Stardust ballroom way back in the mists of the last recession – this time round the crowd is older and portlier, but the energy is still palpable. The rude boys are back, and it's as good a reason as any to celebrate.

All original members are present and correct, apart from founder-keyboardist Jerry Dammers: he’s been replaced by the sprightly Nik Torp, who keeps up a constant skanking rhythm on his organ.

Toaster Neville Staple, guitarists Lynval Golding and Roddy Byers and bassist Horace Panter form a middle-aged maelstrom around the stock-still figure of Terry Hall, who looks disconcertingly glum throughout, but still sounds uncannily like his younger self. The Specials burned brightly over a short period of pop history, but their roots-reggae attitude and politically charged tunes made a lasting impact on music.

Dawning of a New Era, Monkey Man

and

A Message to You, Rudy

bring you right back to the era of Notting Hill riots, Red Wedge and Rock Against Racism, while

Rat Race, Nite Klub, Concrete Jungle, Do Nothing

and

Too Much Too Young

are reminders that little has really changed with the world over the past three decades.

So get your old two-tone gear out of the attic now–as long as these old rude boys are still able to knock out the ska beats and deliver their hits with the same punch and power, there’s no reason why we won’t be skanking along into retirement.