Too Much Too Young

The live version was recorded in 1979 at The Lyceum in London and Tiffany's in Coventry, with The Specials and Rico Rodriguez on the original live EP release. Jerry Dammers and Dave Jordan handled the production. Released in January 1980, the track turned a terse ska-punk live performance into The Specials' first UK No. 1 single and drew attention for its frank lyrics about teenage pregnancy and contraception. It became a defining 2 Tone hit at the height of the movement. The song remained one of the best-known statements of the 2 Tone era and one of The Specials' signature live numbers. Its chart success also made the live EP a landmark release in UK singles history.