Artist

The Beat

1978-1983·Birmingham

The Beat formed in Birmingham in 1978 and were known in the US as the English Beat, to avoid confusion with an American band of the same name. Ranking Roger toasted alongside Dave Wakeling's singing, and the saxophonist Saxa, born in 1930, had played with Prince Buster, Laurel Aitken and Desmond Dekker in the first wave of ska.

The full story is in 2 Tone.

At a glance

Active
1978–1983
From
Birmingham, England
Records in the issues
1 (1980)
Original label
Go-Feet Records
Listening guide track
“Tears of a Clown”

Listen

In the 2 Tone listening guide: “Tears of a Clown”

In the issues

  • 2 Tone
    Principal · 1979-1984 · Members

    2 Tone is a genre from Coventry, West Midlands, England, 1979–1984. Its principal artists include The Specials, The Selecter, Madness and The Beat. This issue covers 8 essential albums and 14 dated events.

Records

Family tree

Bands that shared members with The Beat, and who.

  • Fine Young Cannibals1984–1996
    Andy Cox, David Steele