Formed in the working class suburbs of industrial Birmingham in England in 1978 The Beat arose at a time of high unemployment and social upheaval. From the outset the band offered messages of hope and peace with an insight into sociopolitical topics that would later alongside The Specials see them heralded as forerunners of the whole 2 - Tone Ska movement.
The Beat's first single was the infectious cover of Smokey Robinson's 'Tears of A Clown' which on release went straight into the National Top 10 at No.6. The record, an effortless fusion of Ska, Punk, Pop, Soul and Reggae, immediately saw the band finding themselves an overnight success. Further hit singles from the first album included 'Mirror In The Bathroom', 'Can't Get Used to Losing You', 'Hands Off... She's Mine' and 'Best Friend', and with a catalogue such as this it was easy to see why The Beat would become one of the most popular recording and live acts in the UK.
After numerous offers to return to the stage The Beat returned in 2003 for a sell out show at The Royal Festival Hall with the inclusion of Ranking Jnr taking vocal duties to critical acclaim. With Dave Wakeling heading to the US, Ranking Roger alongside Everett Morton, Ranking Jnr and Mickey Billingham returned to their roots with deeper rhythms, a wall of sound that transcends time and an unwavering dedication to real unity and love that leaves the future still to be written, there can be no question that The Beat are back!
