The English Beat (The Beat in the UK) are an English two-tone ska band formed in Birmingham in 1978, fronted by Dave Wakeling and Ranking Roger with veteran saxophonist Saxa. I Just Can't Stop It (1980) is essential ska revival — members later formed General Public and Fine Young Cannibals. Find The English Beat vinyl, CDs, and reissues at Wax Trax Records.
The English Beat formed in Birmingham, England in 1978, known as The Beat in the UK and The English Beat in North America. The band was led by vocalist-guitarist Dave Wakeling and toaster Ranking Roger (1963-2019), and prominently featured veteran Jamaican saxophonist Saxa. Part of the two-tone ska revival, the band split in the early 1980s, with Wakeling and Ranking Roger forming General Public and other members forming Fine Young Cannibals.
The English Beat blended ska, reggae, pop, soul, and punk into an upbeat, danceable sound characteristic of the two-tone movement, which paired Black and white musicians and promoted racial unity. Their music combined infectious rhythms with socially conscious and romantic lyrics, making them one of the leading acts of the early-1980s British ska revival.
The band's three early-1980s albums have been reissued in expanded editions, and original Go-Feet and I.R.S. pressings are collected by two-tone and ska fans. Box-set compilations gathering the band's complete recordings have also circulated.
Listeners new to The English Beat often start with I Just Can't Stop It (1980). For related listening, see and .
