The Specials have thrown some doubt upon their reunion, saying that if the practise sessions don’t go well they won’t reform.

Frontman Terry Hall made the announcement last week that the ska legends are hoping to get back together for some dates, possibly towards the end of the summer.

However, speaking to BBC6music, joint singer Neville Staple said that although they’ve already crossed a few barriers nothing is certain.

He said: “A couple of months ago we started talking. “We had to talk first to see if we could get on, but we got past the talking stage. Then we said, ‘Okay, let’s see what we’re like in a room together rehearsing with instruments’.

“So the musicians done that first, then Terry went down. So we’ve had two rehearsals. One where they're on their own, and then the last one where me and Terry went in.

“We’re just seeing how it goes. If it gels, it gels. If it doesn’t, you don’t wanna go out there as some old geriatrics – not me. What we've got to do is make sure the music at least is right.

“We’re feeling it out now. It sounded alright actually but it’s gonna take more than one rehearsal.

“So if it works, we’ll do it. If not, well. I’m sorry lads and girls. But we’re trying.”

Staples also added that they won’t be recording any new material in the imminent future.

(by Scott Colothan)