The Beat goes on forbrilliant Brummies

One of the biggest bands of the 2-Tone movement, The Beat present a wall of sound that transcends time and ska fusion rhythms to ignite a crowd.
By The Newsroom
Published 14th Jul 2016, 11:58 BST
Updated 14th Jul 2016, 13:09 BST

The band, along with DJ & MC Fat Figgy, plus other acts on the bill including Manchester’s dark Ska-punksters D.I.L.E and Hudderfield’s Chunky Ska-poppers Wobbly Bob are teaming up to help celebrate Holmfirth Picturedrome’s 10th anniversary Summer Ska Splash on Saturday, July 30 (doors open at 4.30pm).

The Beat’s 2016 line-up features Ranking Roger and Ranking Junior on vocals with Oscar Harrison on drums, Andy Pearson and Steve Harper on guitars.

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The Beat are known the world over for a string of hit singles, including “Mirror in the Bathroom”, “Too Nice To Talk To”, “Can’t Get Used To Losing You”, “Hands off She’s Mine” and “All Out To Get You”.

Their songs of peace, love and unity fuse ska, pop, reggae and punk rock and their dynamic live show.

The Beat formed in Birmingham in 1978, part of the West Midlands ska revival scene that also produced The Specials and The Selecter, whilst London saw the formation of Madness and The Bodysnatchers.

Their first single was an arresting version of Smokey Robinson’s “Tears Of A Clown”, given a completely new feel, and was backed with their own composition “Ranking Full Stop”.

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Released in a one-off deal on Jerry Dammers’ Chrysalis-backed 2-Tone label, the single stormed into the Top 10 in December 1979, and saw the band appear twice on Top Of The Pops.

Backed by Arista, the band formed their own label Go-Feet Records.

The first release in February 1980 was another Top 10 hit, “Hands Off... She’s Mine”, and was the first of twelve chart singles for the band on Go-Feet.

The band released three albums “I Just Can’t Stop It” (1980), “Wha’ppen” (1981) and “Special Beat Service” (1982), which contained many tracks that demonstrated their more politicised and socially-conscious leanings.

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For tickets, which cost £20 in advance call the Holmfirth Picturedrome box office on 08444 780898 or alternatively go to the the website http://www.eventim.co.uk/the-beat-holmfirth-Tickets.html?affiliate=GCL&fun=evdetail&doc=evdetailb&key=1107329$6457276&jumpIn=yTix&fromPromoWithEridRestriction=true

And here’s what some music critics have said of The Beat

“....a band at the top of their game” - Louder than War

“…..The Beat. Who needs the brave new worldwhen the old school is still this good?”- Sunday Mirror

Related topics:Manchester