The English Beat — Live, Niagara Falls NY
Let me start quickly by stating: I REALLY wanted to like this show. I’m all about the classic ska, as I’ve slowly grown out of the ska-punk/skacore scene of my high school days. So when I heard that the English Beat, a 2-tone band from the early 80′s was coming around the neighborhood, I was pretty excited.
Ughh. What a disappointment.
Last night I went down to Niagara Falls, on the American side. The Hard Rock Cafe up there has been throwing a summer concert series, and the English Beat were headlining.
Well, sort of.
Here’s the thing with the Beat, if you’re not up to date on their history. Formed in 1978, the Beat released three albums and then broke up in 1983. In the early 2000′s, a wacky series of events took place, resulting in the “reunion” of two seperate “English Beats” — a UK and a US version. This basically meant that neither could, with band members split between the two versions, be the real band. So when I say I saw the English Beat, what I really saw was a cover band. Out of the six people on stage, only one, Dave Wakeling, was an original member.
So now I’m sitting out in the crowd, and I’m listening to the back-up vocalist (who seemed to be in his mid twenties or thirties) pretend like he was an original member, yelling out to us, asking us if we “remember 1980.” and the answer was, of course, no, most of us didn’t. And in fact, I don’t think he did either. All that aside, I came for a ska show, and I wanted to get my groove on. I’ll admit, there were times when they had me dancin’ hot, but a lot of the time it just came across…well, forced. Don’t misunderstand me — I’m all about the classic “hep hep heps” and “pick it ups.” I mean, when I hear phrases like those, my face lights up. But these guys seemed as if they felt they had to really show us that they were ska musicians, as if the audience didn’t believe them. it was, well, TOO ska. Every other second was another improv vocal “ska noise” (if that makes sense) and it kind of drained the mood. I felt like the ska-ness of it all was being shoved down my throat, like we (the crowd) were all newbies who had to be instructed in the art of the ska lifestyle.
I’ve never been a big fan of the Summer Concert Series concept. They seem to be more or less a list of washed-up bands looking to make a buck. I had hoped that maybe this time a real band had slipped through the cracks — that in between the obligatory Kansas, Rusted Root, and Gov’t Mule dates, a real act had accidentally been thrown in. I was fooled.
UPDATE: After a lengthy debate with a Beat fan, namely Rae Henry, I’d just like to mention that it appears as though, for whatever reason, I didn’t get a good first impression with The Beat in Niagara Falls. Taken on his word (which why wouldn’t we, we’re all friends here!) it seems that the hour long show I watched was nothing like what they usually put on, consisting of double sets that clock in around three hours. Perhaps there were restrictions on what could be played/how long they could play, etc, because it was a Summer Concert Series show. I’m always down for a second chance, and I’ll be sure to report the next time they come around. Thanks Rae!
July 11, 2010 at 11:19 pm
Perhaps you should get your facts straight before slamming a great band. Maybe you think bands who have been successful and cherished for 30 years are not allowed to play with different musicians (hence the totally out of date picture of the Beat). Sad that you couldn’t see the extremely talented musicians who were pouring their hearts out in front of you. And for the record, Antonee (toaster) is not in his twenties. He’s fantastic and gives Roger a run for his money. Sounds like a great 2 tone experience and their message of love and unity was completely lost on you as so often happens with people in their twenties.
July 11, 2010 at 11:36 pm
I was afraid this might happen.
First off, let’s not get mean or nasty here, we know that’s not what this environment is about. But what facts did I get wrong? I’ve done a fair amount of research on the history of the band before I saw them, but if I got something wrong I’d kick myself and fix the article. Sorry about that.
And I know that if you love a band it really hurts to read an article against them. Let me say though that their act clocked in at just an hour long, with no encore. Maybe at most of their other stops they pour their hearts out, but they certainly left a lot to be desired at this show. And I know I’m not the only one to feel that way, I stayed around and chatted with people from all age groups. I’m by no means doubting this band’s legacy, or how important to the culture they were. I’m well aware, they are solid veterans of the genre. But this is hardly the band that made waves back in the 80′s, and that’s just a fact — there is only ONE of the original six members in the band! That’s hardly the real Beat.
Like I said, I know it sucks to hear one of your fav bands get bashed, but that’s not what I was trying to say here. However, on July 10th, 2010, in Niagara Falls, this line-up left me disappointed.
July 11, 2010 at 11:45 pm
Well, the first wrong fact was that Antonee was in his twenties and didn’t remember the 1980′s either (as you said). The second somewhat wrong fact is that Dave’s the only original member. True to a point, but you should Google the bassist, Wayne Lothian. He has played with EB and General Public and with Dave off and on for 20 years. Google the old Rainy Days video of Gen Pub and you’ll see the bassist (with dreads). It sounds like they did a show that is totally not in their normal character. I live in L.A. and their shows are incredible and are either 2 solid hours nonstop or 2 sets, totalling 3 hours. I feel badly that you saw a mere taste of who they still are and I guess my point was that I hope you still had fun and appreciated them for who they have grown into. They are still one of THE best live shows going and I wonder what was up that night? Maybe they were only allotted to do an hour since there were so many other bands. In any case, it’s a great genre of music so keep skankin’ and sorry if I got passionate about it. They’re a great bunch of lads and I hope you get a chance to see them as they normally are.
July 12, 2010 at 1:26 am
I hear that. I was thinking about that too — the short set may have had something to do with it being an outdoor show. I wouldn’t be surprised if by law they had to be off stage by a certain time. And no worries, I’d certainly give them a second chance, especially now seeing how passionate their fans are. I’ll keep a look out, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see a much better show when it’s not part of a “summer concert series.”
Thanks for the input, we live for you readers!
July 13, 2010 at 11:06 pm
Hey my friend,did you hear when Antonee said he use to listen to the beat as a kid and the specials,bad manners,selector,madness and even body snatchers,therefore he knows the 80s,also Toasting is not a ska thing,its from reggae dancehall,which Dave incorporated into the band with Roger.If you know toasting then you know these are street musicians with an in your face attitude with the utmost respect.This is not 1979,so therefore you will not see or get 1979.Out of 8 thousand ppl at show how many fans are with you on this.Did you happen to see the kids that will continue this music,dancing and having a good oldtime.Your entiltled to your opinion and I respect that,but do your homework before you hand in your test.
July 14, 2010 at 11:45 am
haha. I’ve learned my lesson to not post anything negative anymore. I never actually said I knew for sure what his age was, it was just a guess from the crowd. Like I said though, I’ll be giving them a second chance. Thanks for the input though.
July 16, 2010 at 5:38 pm
Well, the first wrong fact was that Antonee was in his twenties and didn’t remember the 1980′s either (as you said). The second somewhat wrong fact is that Dave’s the only original member. True to a point, but you should Google the bassist, Wayne Lothian. He has played with EB and General Public and with Dave off and on for 20 years. Google the old Rainy Days video of Gen Pub and you’ll see the bassist (with dreads). It sounds like they did a show that is totally not in their normal character. I live in L.A. and their shows are incredible and are either 2 solid hours nonstop or 2 sets, totalling 3 hours. I feel badly that you saw a mere taste of who they still are and I guess my point was that I hope you still had fun and appreciated them for who they have grown into. They are still one of THE best live shows going and I wonder what was up that night? Maybe they were only allotted to do an hour since there were so many other bands. In any case, it’s a great genre of music so keep skankin’ and sorry if I got passionate about it. They’re a great bunch of lads and I hope you get a chance to see them as they normally are.
+1
July 19, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Dean don’t let the haters hating get to you. I’ve seen a lot of really good bands play terrible shows. Bands that I’ve seen put great shows 95% of the time do have that off show. Instead of reading it as if you were attacking the Beat I just took it as you saw a bad show. If you see a bad show you should never be afraid to let people know. I love the Beat, and I’ve yet to see them live, but I don’t think this review would stop me. It was a fine review Dean, and if we all get too afraid to be negative it is doing the scene a bigger disservice than a bad review.