The English Beat

The English Beat is a 2 Tone Ska revival group that was formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England. The band was founded by guitarist/vocalist Dave Wakeling, along with bassist David Steele and guitarist Andy Cox. They were joined by rapper/toaster Ranking Roger (Roger Charlery), drummer Everett Morton, and veteran Jamaican saxophonist Saxa (Lionel Martin). Due to the emergence of another group with the same name in the US, they had to use the names The English Beat for their North American releases and The British Beat briefly in Australia.

With immediate chart success, The English Beat established their own record label Go-Feet Records. After splitting up in 1983, Steele and Cox went on to form Fine Young Cannibals and later 2 Men A Drum Machine And A Trumpet. Meanwhile, Wakeling, Ranking Roger, and Saxa formed General Public. Saxa and Everett Morton also formed International Beat while Ranking Roger joined members of The Specials in Special Beat.

Until recently, two different versions of the band toured frequently: "The English Beat starring Dave Wakeling" based in California, USA; and "The Beat with Ranking Roger" based in the UK which also featured Ranking Roger's son Anthony Charlery. Unfortunately, this latter group came to an end with the passing of Ranking Roger in Spring of 2019.