Along with like-minded acts Madness and The Specials, The English Beat helped define the UK’s Two-Tone movement, a late-1970s ska revival fueled by punk, mod and new wave sensibilities. Co-led by vocalists Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger, the group disbanded after the release of the classic 1983 album
Special Beat Service just as they were finding stateside success via club and college radio mainstays such as “Mirror in the Bathroom,” “Tears of a Clown” and “Save It for Later.”
Although reunited shortly thereafter as the successful offshoot General Public (best known for the hit “Tenderness,” which appeared on the soundtracks for the John Hughes films
Sixteen Candles and
Weird Science), the frontmen eventually parted ways and now lead variations on the outfit they created together. Ranking Roger heads UK-based The Beat, and California-based Wakeling fronts The English Beat, which returns to San Antonio for an intimate performance at Sam’s.
$25-$100, Tue March 13, 8pm, Sam’s Burger Joint, 330 E. Grayson St., (210) 223-2830, samsburgerjoint.com.
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