The English Beat Live
July 29, 2006
The latest incarnation of Dave Wakeling's legendary ska band, the English Beat, played at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk this past Friday with an excellent lineup including Lynval Goldings from The Specials as well as Wayne Lothian on Bass and Fernando on Sax. Dave played his classic teardrop Vox guitar and later switched to Fender telecaster. Along with the Specials, Madness and The Selector, the English Beat helped create the frenetic Ska sound of the early 80's. And they've influenced countless bands since then including No Doubt, Sublime and others.
The band played two sets including many hits from the The English Beat as well as Dave's later band General Public including "Tears of Clown," "Save it for Later," "Tenderness," "Hands Off She's Mine," and "Mirror in the Bathroom" and covers of classic songs like the Specials' "A Message to You Rudy" and the Staple Singer's R&B hit "I will take you there."
Dave's touring through California and the midwest this summer. If you're into the two-tone sound, check it out.
- Amazon: Beat This CD, English Beat Live DVD
- Dave Wakeling: Tour Dates, Videos, Bio
- TheBeatUK: Home, History, Discography
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Schedule, Gig Photos