“Sir Horace Gentleman” anchored one of Ol’ Blighty’s most influential ‘70s ensembles: The Specials.

A master of the 2-tone groove which fused trad Jamaican ska with stripped down new wave rock, Panter and his pals – oft bedecked in ‘60s style rude boy attire (pork pie lids, loafers, mohair suits), scored several UK hits during their golden era which spanned roughly 1979-81.

Panter is also a painter. The Croydon native studied at Lanchester Polytechnic, served as an art educator, and has hosted several exhibits throughout his career.

His autobiography Ska’d for Life is essential reading for rockers beholden to the said genre. Panter’s primary tools of the trade were trad Fender basses – Precision, Telecaster, and Jazz.

Horace Panter Sound & Vision…

“Rudy A Message to You” https://youtu.be/cntvEDbagAw

“Stereotype” https://youtu.be/fxQ5ooPT4Gw

“The Gangsters” https://youtu.be/lgCZN1rU5co

“Rat Race” https://youtu.be/AmkMEoVb6rA

“Ghost Town” https://youtu.be/RZ2oXzrnti4