Preparing To Split, The Beat Decide To Save It For Later

BEAT DRUMMER EVERETT MORTON recalled the group’s show at the May 1983 US Festival in San Bernadino, California, as “just as we were getting to the top of the mountain… towards the end.” This was Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak’s personal music fest/technology exposition where he watched Bowie, The Clash and more from the side of the stage. The Beat had only weeks left to live, giving this crowd-pleasing performance of Special Beat Service album track Save It For Later – a song of adolescent angst that Pete Townshend and Pearl Jam have covered – an extra poignancy. Taken from the Live At The US Festival CD/DVD set, they don’t look or sound like a band on their last legs.

Vocalist Dave Wakeling, meanwhile, will be bringing his stateside group The English Beat over for a UK tour next month, starting at Holmfirth Picturedome on May 7 and taking in shows in Liverpool, Birmingham and London before ending at the Skamouth weekender, Great Yarmouth on March 16. Support is from Roddy Radiation of The Specials (comically, the UK-based version of the group led by Ranking Roger also play British dates that month. Will they meet on the motorway?)

Wakeling is also ambassador for the Specialized charity project in aid of Teenage Cancer Trust. Having already raised funds via new versions of songs by The Specials and The Beat, this year it’s Madness’ turn to get the covers treatment. A version of the Nutty Boys’ Our House featuring members of The Specials, Bad Manners, The Body Snatchers and The Selecter has been recorded; see here for more info.

PHOTO: Getty Images