The English Beat play Antone's Friday!

Known simply as The Beat in their native UK, The English Beat were possibly the predominant 2-tone ska revival bands in the early 80s. Although some would argue The Specials were more influential, The English Beat defined the 2-tone movement with their potent blend of mod soul, Jamaican dancehall and reggae, and a staunchly leftist, multiethnic sensibility (like the Specials, The Beat were composed evenly of black and white members). The Beat made waves in the US with tours alongside such new-wave phenoms as The Pretenders and Talking Heads, Post-breakup, various members went on to form Fine Young Cannibals and join Mick Jones' post-Clash outfit Big Audio Dynamite.

Here's where it gets a bit complicated: three core members reunited in the UK as The New English Beat, while original singer Dave Wakeling has resurrected The English Beat in the States; it's Wakeling's version appearing at Antone's Friday night. You probably won't hear the FYC hit "She Drives Me Crazy," but by and large we'd say that's a good thing.