April 9, 2009 -- While major tour lists are looking pretty barren over winter, due partly to the recession and the low Australian dollar, Sticky is excited about seeing the original line-up of UK ska group the Specials (at the Palace on July 30) and Algerian punk rocker Rachid Taha, who is touring here for the first time.

His music has featured on the soundtracks of such films as Black Hawk Down and the Joe Strummer doco The Future is Unwritten. He also injected new life into the Clash's 1982 hit Rock the Casbah.

"I'm a French rock'n'roller with deep Arab roots," explains Taha, who is touring as part of the Brian Eno-curated Luminous Festival, being presented by the Sydney Opera House.

Taha brings his mix of North African folk, European pop, electronica, rock and funk to the Prince Bandroom on June 5.