The English Beat

Dave Wakeling was amazing as always! Non-stop fun with the boys. High energy fun show we loved every minute of it in spite of a very tall, very drunk family of about 8 who could not stop "high fiving" each other (beer bottles in hand) over my head that kept constantly taking selfies and videos-that were prohibited at the show. Dave finally, after politely obliging their first few attempts to fist bump him at the front of the stage, asked security to assist the overbeveraged pompous sphincter family away and the rest of the show was a lovely dance party. The band blew everyone away with all the old favorites and the new, yes NEW songs were absolutely amazing. New musicians did a perfect job, big props to young keyboardist who at 17 years old plays keyboards like he has had 20 years of experience on them. Venue was very intimate but security was terrible. When tickets were ordered it said 7:00 sho we thought opening band or something...nope, got there around 7:30 and show started around 10! I think it allowed patrons to get too drunk before the show. Parking lot was microscopic but cul-de-sac nearby fit several more cars. Show A+, venue C-. It would take a LOT to get my friends and I back to that place.

Simply put, to see The English Beat live is to experience profound happiness from the top of your pork pie hat to the tips of your checkered shoes!

From the moment Dave Wakeling and the rest of this legendary 2 Tone ska band take the stage, the dancing (“skanking!”) begins. Songs like “Save it for Later” are well-known classics but you may be surprised at just how many of their upbeat, saxophone-infused songs you’ll recognize.

Playing at smaller venues, Dave engages the audience between songs with funny stories of life in his hometown of Birmingham, England, and other witty commentary. They usually play a long set – upwards of two hours. And afterwards it’s not unusual for Dave and the band to shake hands & pose for pictures with their fans that crowd the front of the stage.

My love affair with The English Beat began in 1980 when they first toured the U.S. I went to see headliner, The Pretenders, but left the concert completely in love with the opening act, The English Beat. And you’ll fall in love, too, when you see them.

Dave Wakeling an his bandmates were just as good and consist as the last 3 times I've seen them over the past 5 years. Dave's voice is still in fine form. Something different was that they started the show off with a new song which will be on their new album coming out in September. The song was slightly more bluesy than the standard Beat song.

All the favorites were played the great originals "Mirror in the Bathroom" and "I Confess" (my two favorites) and of course, those ska/reggie influenced remakes "Tears of a Clown" and "Can't Get Used to Losing You". Ironically the two biggest crowd favorites are actually General Public, the group Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger formed after The English Beat broke up in the early 1980's. Those songs of course are "Tenderness" and "I'll Take You There" the Staple Singers remake.

If you enjoy somewhat more pop influenced ska/reggie music and great musicianship by all means go and see The English Beat.

My husband and I went to see the English Beat at The Tin Pan and were very impressed with their performance. Even though only one original member remained all the members had it going on. They got the crowd on their feet with their awesome performance of Save it for later, and my personal favorite, Mirror in the Bathroom. The sax player was so good, that my only complaint would have been that they didn't come out for an encore performance, because I was hoping they would have done one of my other favorites "I Confess" to showcase the fabulous sax in that song. We love the venue of The Tin Pan because it is a very comfortable atmosphere with very good food, a good wine list and reasonable prices. We look forward to seeing our next fun concert experience there.

Dave and the band came out and were full of energy as soon as they came on stage. The crowd could feel it was going to be a great performance. The music set was planned out very well.
My brother and I stood right up as close as you can get.With every song the crowd was hopping right along with them.They played all the favorites,plus ones from a new album.
Ace of Spades is a really cool venue to see a concert.You are in close proximity with whoever plays there. Plenty of room and bars to drink from.Even though you are standing the whole time. Never felt tired or sore. I must say, if you were ever a Beat or SKA fan. you have to go see them in concert.

SH

Dave and his English Beat banad were in full,fine form.
It was a perfect set.
Girls,dancing on stage at the behest of Ranking Roger.
Dave was spot on. His voice is a bit raspy,but it is understandable.
He was wonderful,his band was nuts on.
I cant tell you how much the crown appreciated him and his bands work.
A full set flew by!
Loved it.
After the show,I bumped into Dave,and gave him a hug.
He didnt really want to hug me,but he did.
What a good sport.
I just LOVED the show.
So did EVERYONE around me.
SUPERB!
New stuff as well. New album coming out in March.
Cant Wait !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve Wilson
Kutztown, PA

Incredible show. Fourth time seeing them and this was certainly one of their best shows. The first one I saw at the Masonic Temple in the early 80's in Toronto was the best with the original members including Saxa, but this was right up there. Dave Wakeling has put together a very impressive line-up, including a great sax player Matt Morrish. The Opera House last night was rockin'. Very enthusiastic and appreciative crowd last night.I like how the did a couple of different spins on a few songs. The only downside was there was so many people there wasn't enough room to dance. One of the best concerts I've ever been to!

The Tin Pan is a wonderful venue to see a concert, because it's a cozy comfortable atmosphere. My husband and I loved the English Beat, although only one original member was left. All the band members still had it going on and played exceptionally well. Save it for later, twist and crawl and my personal favorite, Mirror in the Bathroom got the crowd on their feet. If I was to have any criticism it would be that I was hoping for an encore performance with one of my other favorites,I Confess, or their great rendition of Tears of a Clown. All and all though it was a great show and we were glad we both went.

I saw them the first time around in 1983 and again
at the OC Fair Hangar on July 19, 2019 and they were as expected - awesome! The place was hopping and dancing from the opening beat to the final beat - no one bothered to use their seats - and this is typical of all Beat concerts! Had a blast and will try to keep seeing them whenever I can.

Only downside - the horn section can easily be expanded; although the trumpeteer is awesome, I was spoiled with the Beat’s huge horn section back in the day!

I highly recommend that you never miss their show if they play in your area.

The English Beat are by far the best of the two-tone era ska bands!
They not only have an amazing ska tone, but also a punk & new wave vibe. They definitely have a lot of energy which exudes to the crowd, Dave is always smiling involved with the crowd.
The English Beat’s tender side was apparent as well with songs like " Can't get Use to Losing You" and "To Nice to Talk To" Even though Dave will make quirky faces during the songs to have fun with it!
The English Beat are definitely a band you can see over and over again and never tire from their performance.