How times have changed. When British ska legends the Specials played punk clubs in the ’70s, “gobbing” at bands was the rage. But when the reformed band arrived at Pier 26 in Tribeca this week, lead singer Terry Hall was hit with a pair of flip-flops rather than flying spittle. “Now that’s rebellion,” Hall sneered as he picked up the beach footwear and slammed a flip-flop down onstage. “I’m going to eat these,” he added. When a fan later threw flowers, Hall took a whiff and said, “These smell awful.” The band dedicated their hit version of “A Message to You, Rudy,” with lyrics like “Time you straighten right out/Creating problems in town,” to George Zimmerman. They play the Stone Pony tonight.