The Dave Wakeling fanclub came to town and put on a show which pleased punters but not purists. The Beat were original all time greats from the 70s and 80s, who along with The Specials, Selector and Madness brought ska, reggae and 2 Tone to a wave of British youth ground down by Thatcher’s economics.

The Beat had a distinct move-your-feet feel with hard-hitting lyrics served up effortlessly by Wakeling, alongside pinpoint toasting from Rankin’ Roger. The two have long parted company and created different re-incarnations along the way (The Beat and The English Beat), so tonight it seems we only get half the story.

Admittedly we don’t get to see Wakeling (now resident Stateside) that often, so when he comes over it’s always worth a visit. However, Islington Academy last year was a far better show. The man can certainly belt out a vocal and stick to the beat, but tonight some classics could have done with a distinct step up in tempo.

On this latest tour Wakeling is supported by San Diego’s King Schascha, who can toast, but spends too much time on lame and occasionally embarrassing promo-banter. How many times do we need to hear “the one and only Dave Wakeling”? It only detracts from the band and wastes time.

But let’s end on a positive: ‘Stand Down Margaret’ was given added resonance with Wakeling’s slagging off of David Cameron, proving the old adage you can take the man out of Birmingham but you can’t take Birmingham out of the man.

The Beat, Komedia, Tuesday 15th September 2015
Words by Jan Goodey