You may remember The English Beat for their top 40 song “Save it For Later” in the early 80’s but this ska, pop, reggae band (which is also known as The Beat in the UK and The British Beat in Australia) had a string of top 100 hits including “I Confess,” “Can’t Get Used to Losing You,” “Mirror in the Bathroom,” “Hands off She’s Mine,” and many others. Just one listen to the English vocals of founder and lead singer Dave Wakeling will bring you back to the 80’s sound that you can’t help but get up and dance to! And you’ll be able to do just that when they come to The Ridgefield Playhouse on Tuesday, October 22, at 8 p.m. The band fuses all of their respective musical influences – soul, reggae, pop and punk – into a unique sound that is highly danceable. This event is part of the Xfinity Rock Series.
When Dave and The English Beat rushed on to the music scene from working-class Birmingham, England, it was a time of social, political and musical upheaval (1979). Trying to create calm through their music, The English Beat delivered their simple message of love and unity set to a great dance beat! The six-member band consisted of singer/songwriter Dave Wakeling (vocals & guitar), Andy Cox (guitar), David Steele (bass), Everett Morton (drums), Saxa (saxophone) and Ranking Roger (toasting). Along with contemporaries such as The Specials, The Selecter and Madness, The English Beat became one of the most popular and influential bands of the British Two Tone Ska movement. Now, they’re comin’ to America where the infectious beat goes on.
For tickets ($40), call the box office (203) 438-5795, or order online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse.org.
# # #
