The English Beat

The English Beat

The English Beat, known as The Beat in the United Kingdom, is a ska and new wave group from Birmingham, United Kingdom. The band forms in 1978 and remains active, and it is associated with the 2 tone movement. In Australia and New Zealand, it also uses the name British Beat to avoid confusion with another band of the same name.

Formation and line-up

The group includes Dave Wakeling, Ranking Roger, Andy Cox, David Steele, Everett Morton, Papa Saxa, Micky Billingham and Antonee First Class. After the band first splits in 1983, it reforms in the early 2000s with some of the original line-up. By the mid-2000s, the line-up includes Roger, Blockhead and Morton from the original group, with Ranking Junior also on vocals.

Releases and songs

The Beat releases three studio albums: I Just Can't Stop It, Wha'ppen and Special Beat Service. Its best-known singles include “Mirror in the Bathroom”, “Stand Down Margaret”, “Save It For Later” and “I Confess”. “Stand Down Margaret” refers to Margaret Thatcher. The band is one of the better-known and longest-lasting groups to emerge from the short-lived Two Tone scene.

Later projects and collaborations

After The Beat splits, Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger form General Public. Andy Cox and David Steele later form Fine Young Cannibals with Roland Gift. Members of the band also work with The Specials on stage and appear together on “Free Nelson Mandela”. In the early 1990s, Roger joins members of The Specials to form The Special Beat, which releases two live albums. Ranking Roger's son, Ranking Junior, also appears with The Ordinary Boys on “Boys Will Be Boys”.

Reception and audience

The Beat builds its main fan base in the United Kingdom, but it also gains listeners in Australia through regular airplay on Triple J and exposure on Countdown. It also develops a significant following in the United States, particularly on college radio.