About
The Beat, known in the United States and Canada as The English Beat (and the British Beat in Australia and New Zealand) in order to avoid confusion with Paul Collins' band of the same name, was a popular Two Tone ska and pop music group. Formed in the English city of Birmingham in 1978, The Beat disbanded in 1983, but has reformed in the early 2000s with some of the original line-up. One of the more popular and enduring groups of a short-lived trend Read more on Last.fm
Genres
- new romantic
- new wave
- permanent wave
- ska
- ska revival
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kind of music is The English Beat?
- The English Beat is a British band renowned for their unique blend of musical genres, primarily rooted in rock with strong elements of alternative rock, ska, and new wave. Formed in Birmingham in 1978, The English Beat's sound is instantly recognizable thanks to their energetic fusion of punk rock's raw edge, the infectious rhythms of Jamaican ska and reggae, and the melodic sensibilities of pop. Their music is characterized by upbeat tempos, danceable grooves, and socially conscious lyrics that address issues like love, unity, and social justice. Classic tracks like "Mirror in the Bathroom"
- What happened to The English Beat?
- The English Beat experienced a dynamic and sometimes turbulent journey through the music industry. After forming in 1978, they quickly rose to prominence with their debut album, "I Just Can't Stop It,"
- Why are The Beat called The English Beat?
- The band is called The English Beat to distinguish themselves from other groups with similar names and to highlight their British roots. When the band formed in Birmingham in 1978, they originally went by "The Beat."
- Who is currently in The English Beat?
- The current lineup of The English Beat is led by original vocalist and guitarist Dave Wakeling, who has kept the spirit of the band alive since the early 2000s, primarily in North America. Over the years, the lineup has featured a rotating cast of talented musicians, as the band continues to tour extensively and deliver energetic live performances. As of 2024, key touring members alongside Dave Wakeling include Matt Morrish on saxophone, Kevin Lum on keyboards, Nucci Cantrell on drums, King Schascha as the toaster (a vocalist specializing in reggae and ska), and Brad Engstrom on bass. This lineup brings a fresh, dynamic energy to classic Beat songs while also contributing to new material, such as the band's 2018 album "Here We Go Love."
- Who did The English Beat become?
- After The English Beat disbanded in 1983, the group's members branched out to form several influential acts, contributing to the evolution of alternative and pop music. Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger, two of the most prominent members, teamed up to create General Public, a band known for hits like "Tenderness."