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The Beat

The Beat, also known in the United States as The English Beat to avoid confusion with Paul Collins' band of the same name, is a band that has played a pivotal role in the British ska and two-tone movement of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Formed in Birmingham in 1978, the original lineup consisted of singer-songwriter Dave Wakeling, vocalist Ranking Roger, guitarist Andy Cox, bassist David Steele, saxophonist Saxa, and drummer Everett Morton. The blend of punk rock's energy with the infectious rhythms of ska and reggae led to The Beat's rapid ascent as a popular and influential group. Their socially conscious lyrics tackle themes such as love, unity, and the sociopolitical issues of the times.

Throughout their career, The Beat released three studio albums which spawned hits like "Mirror in the Bathroom," "Too Nice to Talk To," and a cover of Smokey Robinson's "Tears of a Clown" before disbanding in 1983. The members went on to form other successful bands—Wakeling and Roger with General Public, and Cox and Steele with Fine Young Cannibals. The legacy of The Beat's original era lives on in multiple generations of fans and musicians alike. In the 2000s, the band reformed in two separate groups following the split between Wakeling and Roger, leading to The Beat led by Dave Wakeling (in the US) and The Beat featuring Ranking Roger in the UK. Despite Ranking Roger's passing in 2019, the band has continued to tour and release new music, such as "Public Confidential" in 2019, celebrating their enduring sound and message with both their faithful audience and new listeners.

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