With Ranking Junior now taking centre stage, the mighty Beat will be heading on tour, taking Swindon, Bournemouth, Leeds, and Hull to get audiences dancing to some of the most famous ska and reggae tracks ever written.….
Ah yes, did a song called “Stand Down Margaret,” if memory serves me well; perhaps a change of name and a little history repeating, fingers crossed.
One of the key bands in the UK ska revival of the late ‘70s and ‘80s, The Beat still bring the near-perfect balance of pop melodies and taut rhythms that made them stars and won them worldwide acclaim.
Based in Birmingham, The Beat released their Smokey cover debut single “Tears of a Clown” through The Specials’ 2-Tone label in 1979. The single went Top Ten in the UK and they soon struck a deal with Arista to distribute on their own Go Feet label.
Their debut studio album ‘Just Can’t Stop’ went Gold in England, and included the now-cult single “Mirror In The Bathroom”. The band’s ferocious live performances and clever blend of personal and political lyrics continue to make them stars to this day, and they’ll be diving into their back catalogue at these new year shows.
And they’re skanking up Swindon on Saturday January 7th, at Meca, tickets are up for grabs now. Also at the Cheese & Grain Frome on March 4th, which is (hint) close to my birthday! Tickets here.
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Yummy, yummy, yummy, I got love in my tummy! Another great year for Devizes Food & Drink Festival ended on Sunday with the World Food … Continue reading “World Food Day Ends Devizes Food & Drink Festival” - 3 Daft Monkeys at The Barge on HoneyStreet
Witnessed amazing fireworks for Confetti Battle in Devizes, and I hopped eastwards to that sacred hippy haven in the Pewsey Vale, The Barge at HoneyStreet; … Continue reading “3 Daft Monkeys at The Barge on HoneyStreet” - Booking In Ballyhoo at Wiltshire Recycling Centres
As you’re probably aware, because there’s been lots of people kicking up a scene, Wiltshire Council’s recycling centre booking system being trialled at Devizes, Lower … Continue reading “Booking In Ballyhoo at Wiltshire Recycling Centres” - Swindon Advertiser Running With Islamophobic Clickbait, Again
Immediately after the weekend which saw press photographers ejected, so they could savagely beat women at the Birmingham Reform conference, as if someone threw a … Continue reading “Swindon Advertiser Running With Islamophobic Clickbait, Again” - Marlborough’s Hidden Gem; The Town’s Home for Arts, Culture and Community
Tucked away in plain sight at the heart of Marlborough stands St Peter’s. While this Grade II listed landmark has been around for centuries, its … Continue reading “Marlborough’s Hidden Gem; The Town’s Home for Arts, Culture and Community” - Chippenham “Midweek Mojo” Brian Reid Passes Away
Tributes to Chippenham’s community activist, poet, actor, and event compere Brian Reid poured onto social media today, as the sad news of his passing spreads… … Continue reading “Chippenham “Midweek Mojo” Brian Reid Passes Away” - JP Oldfield’s Saltwater Gospel
Devizes favourite southern fried gothic-Delta blues one man band, JP Oldfield has an EP released at the end of the week, Saltwater Gospel. It’s a … Continue reading “JP Oldfield’s Saltwater Gospel” - Jess Chiver’s Sunrise Comparison
I’ve found myself sympathising about post-punk recently, how they scrambled around in the dark somewhat, taking pot shots at reggae, claiming a “new wave,” or … Continue reading “Jess Chiver’s Sunrise Comparison” - Local Reggae Musicians Release Compilation Celebrating Ninetieth Anniversary of Emperor’s Exile in Bath
Singers and players of instruments of The Southwest assembled for an album celebrating the ninetieth anniversary since Emperor Haile Selassie I was exiled to England, … Continue reading “Local Reggae Musicians Release Compilation Celebrating Ninetieth Anniversary of Emperor’s Exile in Bath” - The Modernisation of Wiltshire Museum; Chatting with Amber
Okay, that’s enough now! The social media presence of Wiltshire Museum in Devizes has shot from zero to hero. Vlogs of staff dancing in period … Continue reading “The Modernisation of Wiltshire Museum; Chatting with Amber”
