The English Beat Preview: 2010 Western United States Tour

One of the earliest and critical Ska revivalist groups, The Beat formed in Birmingham, England in 1978. However, to avoid confusion for Phil Collins’ band of the same name, in the United States they are classified as The English Beat. Possibly why the band is so well-liked among fans of various genres, the band manages to create a distinctive sound through alternating vocals between guitarist Dave Wakeling and rapper Ranking Roger, along with Andy Cox on guitar, bassist David Steele, and drummer Everett Moreton. The English Beat also added a 50-year old saxophonist, Saxa, in order to generate credibility for their polished sound. The Ska group changed their style to 2 Tone after they had the opportunity to obtain an opening spot for The Selector. Later on, they released a cover of the Smokey Robinson song, "Tears of a Clown", and "Hand’s Off…She’s Mine" which became a hit singles for the Beat. Along with making music, in 1980 they decided to start a 2 Tone label, Go-Feet; the label did not see much commercial success, but it was an important sister label to the 2 Tone genre (the first being 2 Tone Records). More hit singles began to arise, including "Mirror in the Bathroom" and "Twist & Crawl".

Their debut LP, "I Just Can’t Wait" fused their earlier sound with other pop and ska influences, with the track "Stand Down Margaret" directing the band in a more political direction. For their next album, "Wha’ppen", the English Beat slowed down the tempo and aimed for more of a reggae sound, but the record failed to live up to its predecessor in the United States, but became #2 in Britain. "Special Beat Service" was the next record; it rose to the charts in the United States but flopped in the United Kingdom. The album also let the group experiment with African and Latin rhythms. In 1982, poor health forced Saxa to retire, with Wesley Magoogan as his replacement. Although "Special Beat Service" was the last album to be recorded by the English Beat, they have released few compilation albums throughout the years. In 2003, the original line-up (minus Cox and Steele) performed for a sold out crowd at the Royal Festival Hall; with this success, a year later VH1′s show "Bands Reunited" attempted to bring the original lineup together, but were unsuccessful. The line up today consists of: Dave Wakeling on vocals and guitar – Rhythmm Epkins on drums – Wayne Lothian on bass – Antonee First Class on toaster – Raynier Jacildo on keyboard – Matt Morrish on saxophone. However, California fans of The English Beat can catch them at various dates throughout the months of September and October. Don’t miss your chance to experience one of the most influential bands in Ska, you’re guaranteed a good time hearing their fused style of ska,pop, soul, reggae, and Punk.

The English Beat MySpace: www.myspace.com/officialbeatspace

2010 Dates:
Sep 2 Austin at Emo’s / Sep 3 San Diego at Del Mar Fairgrounds / Sep 4 Los Angeles at The Roxy Theatre / Sep 8 Eugene, OR at Wow Hall / Sep 10 Vancouver, Canada Commodore Ballroom / Sep 11 Boise, ID at The Reef / Sep 12 Portland at Wonder Ballroom / Sep 26 Raleigh at Cat’s Cradle / Oct 1 San Francisco at Shattuck Down Low / Oct 2 San Francisco at The 142 Throckmorton Theatre / Oct 8 Agoura Hills, CA at The Canyon Club / Oct 9 Felton, CA at Don Quixote’s International Music Hall / Oct 15 San Jose at Avalon Night Club / Oct 29 Anaheim, CA at House of Blues / Oct 30 Hermosa Beach, CA at Saint Rocke / Oct 31 Hollywood, CA at the Fonda Theater/Music Box

-Sarah K.-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter
 

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