Beat Union
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Defunct | January 2009 |
| Headquarters | Birmingham, Bromsgrove, Redditch , United Kingdom |
| Products | Music albums, singles |
Beat Union was a pop-punk ensemble originating from Birmingham, Bromsgrove, and Redditch, United Kingdom, previously performing under the name Shortcut to Newark. Their sound was often likened to artists such as Elvis Costello, The Jam, and pop punk bands including Green Day.
In 2006, the band embarked on a UK tour alongside Bedouin Soundclash and Zox. Their first full-length album, Disconnected, was launched through Science Records in April 2008. The record was produced by John Feldmann of Goldfinger and included the track "She Is the Gun," which was highlighted as Song of the Day by Rolling Stone and reached number five on the BBC Radio 1 airplay charts.
After releasing their debut album, Beat Union supported Goldfinger on tour and participated in the 2008 Warped Tour across the United States. Later that year, they toured the U.S. with Flogging Molly and completed a series of UK shows with Less Than Jake.
The band officially dissolved in January 2009.
Following the split, drummer Luke Johnson became a permanent member of Lostprophets and subsequently joined rock group Lowlives after his tenure with No Devotion.
Lead vocalist Dave Warsop currently fronts Sharp/Shock and NOT, having formerly been part of Suedehead, which performed at Coachella and toured with Social Distortion. Additionally, he works as a producer at Strong Studios located in Southern California.
Ade Preston revived Farse and contributed to The King Blues, Mad Caddies, and King Adora. Dean Ashton, another former member of Farse, recorded three albums with The King Blues before spending five years as bassist for NWOBHM outfit Diamond Head.
Lineup
- Dave Warsop – Lead Vocals, Guitar (Shooter McGavin/Shortcut To Newark/Suedehead/Sharp Shock)
- Luke Johnson (also known as Jocko Johnson) – Drums (Shooter McGavin/Shortcut To Newark/Amen/Lostprophets)
- Dean Ashton – Guitar, Backing Vocals (Shooter McGavin/Shortcut To Newark/Farse/The King Blues/Diamond Head)
- Ade Preston – Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals (Farse/The High Society/The King Blues)
Discography
- As Shooter McGavin
- "Saving The Day" 7-inch – Boss Tuneage (2001)
- "Split with Dugong" 7-inch – Rock 'Em Dead Records (2001)
- As Shortcut to Newark
- "Heads in Hands Heads in Half" 7-inch EP – Boss Tuneage (2003)
- Gearing Up for Getting Down CD – Suckapunch Records (2006)
- As Beat Union
- "She Is The Gun" 7-inch/CD – Haddock Recordings (2007)
- Disconnected CD – Science Records (2008)
External links
- Official band website
- Official Myspace page
- Science Records artist page
- Beat Union Take To The States Feature article on PlugInMusic.com