The Beat, Friday 27th April, Exeter Phoenix, 8pm
The Beat hailed from working class, industrial Birmingham, England.
When The Beat rushed on to the music scene in 1979, it was a time of social, political and musical upheaval. Into this storm came The Beat, trying to calm the waters with their simple message of love and unity set to a great dance beat.
Over the course of the next five years The Beat toured relentlessly and released three studio albums I Just Can’t Stop It, Wh’appen, and Special Beat Service. The band toured the world, with such artists as David Bowie, The Police, REM, The Clash, The Talking Heads, The Pretenders, and The Specials, to name but a few.
The Beat kept scoring hits with tunes that have now become so popular that it’s hard to remember a time when they didn’t exist, such as Mirror in the Bathroom, Save it for Later, I Confess, Stand Down Margaret, and their serene cover of Andy William’s Can’t Get Used To Losing You.
On February 10th 2003 The Beat’s reunion gig took place at London’s Royal Festival Hall. Ranking Roger along with Everett, Saxa, Neil and Andy were reunited with Dave Wakeling and Blockhead. The overwhelming success of the gig, encouraged Ranking Roger to resurrect The Beat, with his son Murphy accompanying Roger on vocals in place of Dave Wakeling. Saxa was eventually obliged to give up life on the road. However, the spirit of Saxa is still on the road and has left an indelible mark on this band.
Having re-established The Beat in the UK, the band has had continued success with their tours of the UK, Ireland, Europe and Australia.
Additionally Murphy aka Ranking Junior, has had combined success with The Ordinary Boys with their top three single Boys will be boys.
At long last Roger and the boys have recorded the first album for The Beat since the early 1980s. Currently being mixed by Adrian Sherwood the album is once again a work of pure brilliance by a band whose musical prowess has lasted three decades.
Tickets cost £15.50 in advance
Tickets from Exeter Phoenix box office, phone 01392 667080 or online at http://www.midnightmango.co.uk and http://www.exeterphoenix.org.uk. Booking fees may apply.