Davestillkeeps TheBeatgoing
VETERAN SKA LEGENDS LINED UP TO PLAY CORK GIG
THE Beat, arguably one of the most influential bands of the British Two-Tone movement of the 1980’s, will play a gig at The Amp in Cork on Friday night with support from Pontious Pilate and the Naildrivers.
When they rushed on to the UK music scene in 1979, it was a time of social, political and musical upheaval and The Beat sought to calm the water with their simple message of “love and unity” set to a great dance beat.
The Beat were all about inclusion, rather than exclusion, something that was readily apparent in their line-up and their musical influences.
The original band consisted of Dave Wakeling on vocals and guitar, Andy Cox on guitar, David Steele on bass, and Everett Morton on drums – later additions Ranking Roger (toasting) and foundational First Wave Ska legend Saxa (saxophone) completed the outfit.
The band crossed over fluidly between soul, reggae, pop and punk creating an infectious dance rhythm. Along with their contemporaries The Specials, The Selecter, and Madness, the band became an overnight sensation and one of the most popular and influential bands of the British Two Tone Ska movement.
By Christmas of 1979, The Beat were riding high in the UK charts with their first single, a cover of Smokey Robinson’s ‘ Tears of a Clown’.
Over the course of the next five years they released three studio albums - ‘I Just Can’t Stop It’, ‘Wh’appen’ and ‘Special Beat Service’ and singles including ‘Mirror in the Bathroom’, ‘Save it for Later’, ‘I Confess’, ‘Stand Down Margaret’ and the Andy William penned ‘Can’t Get Used To Losing You’, ensuing they were rarely out of the charts.
They also toured the globe with acts such as David Bowie, The Police, REM, The Clash, The Talking Heads, The Pretenders and The Specials to name but a few.
After four glorious years The Beat decided to call it a day, with Wakeling and Roger forming General Public, Andy Cox and David Steele tasted success with Fine Young Cannibals and Morton founding the International Beat.
In February 2003, a dream came true for Beat fans with the band reuniting for a UK tour, culminating in a sold out command performance at the prestigious Royal Festival Hall.
Consummate showman that he is, Wakeling has continued to keep The Beat alive and strong. Touring as The Beat starring Dave Wakeling with an all-star ska backing band playing all the hits of The Beat, General Public and his new songs.
Tickets for Fridays gigs at The Amp gig from www.ticktermaster.ie priced at €25.75.