The Beat (British band)

The Beat
Company type	Musical group
Industry	Music
Founded	1978 in Birmingham, England
Headquarters	Birmingham, England
Products	Music albums and singles

The Beat—referred to as the English Beat in the US and Canada and the British Beat in Australia—is a British group established in Birmingham in 1978. Their sound fuses elements of Latin, ska, pop, soul, reggae, and punk rock genres.

The lineup included Dave Wakeling (vocals, guitar), Ranking Roger (vocals), Andy Cox (guitar), David Steele (bass), Everett Morton (drums), saxophonist Saxa (Lionel Augustus Martin), and from 1980, keyboardist Dave "Blockhead" Wright. During the early 1980s, they released three studio albums: I Just Can't Stop It (1980), Wha'ppen? (1981), and Special Beat Service (1982). Their notable singles include "Mirror in the Bathroom", "Save It for Later", "I Confess", "Too Nice to Talk To", "Can't Get Used to Losing You", "Hands Off...She's Mine", and "All Out to Get You".

1978–1983

Originating in Birmingham during a period marked by economic hardship and social unrest, The Beat came together in 1978. Vocalist Ranking Roger contributed a Jamaican-style vocal delivery known as toasting, while saxophonist Saxa (Lionel Augustus Martin)—who had previously collaborated with Prince Buster, Laurel Aitken, and Desmond Dekker—infused authentic ska sounds. Saxa joined the band to record their initial single, a rendition of Smokey Robinson and the Miracles' "Tears of a Clown."

Their first album, I Just Can't Stop It, launched in May 1980, climbed to No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart. It featured prominent singles such as "Can't Get Used to Losing You," "Mirror in the Bathroom," "Hands Off...She's Mine," and "Best Friend." The follow-up album, Wha'ppen?, accompanied by extensive touring—including a US tour alongside the Pretenders and Talking Heads—yielded UK Top 40 tracks like "All Out to Get You," "Drowning," and "Doors of Your Heart." The Beat secured airplay on alternative rock radio stations including KROQ-FM (Los Angeles), KQAK 99FM, KITS Live 105 (San Francisco), and KYYX (Seattle).

Although their primary fan base was in the UK, they also gained popularity in Australia through Triple J radio and the TV program Countdown. In North America, legal constraints led them to perform under the name the English Beat, where they developed a loyal audience. Globally, The Beat toured with major acts such as David Bowie, the Clash, the Police, R.E.M., the Specials, and Talking Heads, frequently sharing stages with the Specials.

Early in their journey, Birmingham cartoonist Hunt Emerson created their iconic 'Beat Girl' logo and designed the mural featured on the cover of Wha'ppen?.

Post-breakup

Following their disbandment in 1983, Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger formed General Public, achieving chart success in the US and Canada with tracks like "Tenderness". Meanwhile, Andy Cox and David Steele joined forces with vocalist Roland Gift from ska group Akrylykz to form Fine Young Cannibals. Drummer Everett Morton and Saxa established International Beat alongside Birmingham singer Tony Beet; their 1990 release The Hitting Line on Blue Beat Records was produced by Ranking Roger, who also performed live with them. This group toured both the UK and US until 1992.

Ranking Roger briefly became part of Mick Jones’ post-Clash ensemble Big Audio Dynamite, performing live before the band dissolved following an unreleased final album. The instrumental track "March of the Swivelheads" by The Beat appeared in 1986’s film Ferris Bueller's Day Off, credited as "The (English) Beat". Additionally, "Save It for Later" has been featured on soundtracks for films including Kingpin, Hot Tub Time Machine, and Spider-Man: Homecoming.

Everett Morton later founded Beat Goes Bang with vocalist Ross Lydon, bassist Faisal Rashid, and saxophonist Lukasz Machometa. Ranking Roger issued his reggae-inspired solo debut Radical Departure in 1988 and collaborated with members of the Specials to create Special Beat during the early 1990s; this project toured extensively and released two live albums supporting the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament. His 2001 solo album Inside My Head mixed reggae, ska, electronica, jungle, and dub styles. His son, Ranking Junior, continued this musical heritage by featuring on the Ordinary Boys’ 2005 hit "Boys Will Be Boys".

Between 1985 and 1998, Pete Townshend frequently performed "Save It for Later"; it was also included twice during The Who’s 1989 Reunion Tour. Brazilian rock band Paralamas do Sucesso, influenced by ska rhythms, drew inspiration from "Hands Off... She's Mine" for their 1984 track "Oculos".

In 2012, The Wonder Stuff invited Ranking Roger to perform "Save It for Later" as part of their "From the Midlands with Love" series. Since 1996, Pearl Jam has incorporated this song into live shows by blending it with "Better Man"; it remained a fixture during their 2023 tour. In June 2024, lead vocalist Eddie Vedder released a solo rendition of this track.

21st century

In 2003, the original members of the Beat, excluding Cox and Steele, reunited for a sold-out performance at the Royal Festival Hall. The following year, the VH1 program Bands Reunited made an effort to bring the founding members back together but did not succeed.

A UK-based version of the Beat, fronted by Ranking Roger, recorded a new album in 2006 with mixing by Adrian Sherwood; however, this project has yet to be released. This ensemble also featured Everett Morton and Mickey Billingham, who previously played with Dexys Midnight Runners and General Public.

Dave Wakeling heads the American incarnation known as the English Beat, often including songs from General Public in their setlists. In April 2011, they appeared at the London International Ska Festival and subsequently performed at the Great Dorset Steam Fair. Both UK and US formations maintain active touring schedules on both sides of the Atlantic.

In 2012, the Beat issued The Complete Beat, a comprehensive box set compiling their three studio albums alongside singles, remixes, and live recordings. Their reissued albums contained extra bonus material.

The English Beat contributed two new tracks for the 2013 episode "Dance of the Undead" of Scooby-Doo! Mystery Incorporated, marking Dave Wakeling’s debut composing for television. These songs earned praise from Warner Bros., demonstrating his adaptability beyond live shows.

Towards the end of 2013, the Beat featuring Ranking Roger released Live in London, which included fresh compositions such as "How Do You Do (Side to Side)" and "Dangerous." Their studio album Bounce was released on 30 September 2016 through DMF Records, reaching number 49 on the UK Albums Chart. The album’s lead single was titled "Walking on the Wrong Side."

Saxa (Lionel Augustus Martin) died on 3 May 2017 at age 87.

In 2018, the Beat featuring Ranking Roger unveiled The Beat – Live at the Roundhouse, available as both a live album and DVD. Meanwhile, Dave Wakeling’s English Beat released Here We Go Love, an album first announced in 2014 and financed via PledgeMusic as part of a direct fan engagement approach.

On 26 January 2019, the Beat featuring Ranking Roger brought out Public Confidential, with its single "Maniac" gaining airplay on BBC Radio 6 Music. Ranking Roger passed away at home on 26 March 2019 at age 56 after undergoing surgery for brain tumors and receiving treatment for lung cancer.

In March 2021, Mini Murphy (Ranking Junior) collaborated with indie rock group the Ordinary Boys on a tribute double-A side single honoring his late father Ranking Roger, released through United Sound Records/Proper.

Drummer Everett Morton passed away in Birmingham on 8 October 2021 at age 71. Keyboardist Dave "Blockhead" Wright died in October 2025.

The Beat / The English Beat

Andy Cox – guitarist (1978–1983)
Everett Morton – drummer (1978–1983, passed away 2021)
Ranking Roger – lead singer, toasting (1978–1983, deceased 2019)
Saxa – saxophonist (1978–1983, deceased 2017)
David Steele – bassist (1978–1983)
Dave Wakeling – lead vocals, guitar (1978–1983)
Dave "Blockhead" Wright – keyboardist (1980–1983; passed away 2025)
Wesley Magoogan – saxophone (1981–1983)

The English Beat starring Dave Wakeling

Dave Wakeling – lead vocals, guitar
Brian Nucci Cantrell – drums, backing vocals
Matt Morrish – saxophone, backing vocals
Wesley Perry – saxophone, backing vocals (current member)
Kevin Lum – keyboards, backing vocals
Minh Quan – keyboards, backing vocals
Brad Engstrom – bass guitar, backing vocals
Antonee First Class – toasting (current member)

The Beat / The English Beat original era

The Beat featuring Ranking Roger

Bounce (2016)
Public Confidential (2019)

The Beat led by Dave Wakeling

Here We Go Love (2018)

Bibliography

The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock and Roll, Third Edition (Fireside, 2001)
The Beat: Twist and Crawl by Malu Halasa (Eel Pie, 1981)

External links