Formed in the working class suburbs of industrial Birmingham in England in 1978 The Beat arose at a time of high unemployment and social upheaval. From the outset the band offered messages of hope and peace with an insight into sociopolitical topics that would later alongside The Specials see them heralded as forerunners of the whole 2-Tone Ska movement.
The Beat's first single was the infectious cover of Smokey Robinson's 'Tears of A Clown' which on release went straight into the National Top 10 at No.6. The record, an effortless like fusion between a number of different musical styles such as Ska, Punk, Pop, Soul and Reggae, immediately saw the band finding themselves an overnight success.

Further hit singles included 'Mirror In The Bathroom', 'Can't Get Used to Losing You', 'Hands Off... She's Mine' and 'Best Friend', and with a catalogue such as this it was easy to see why the The Beat would become one of the most popular recording and live acts in the UK.
While The Beat could deliver with what almost seemed effortless ease songs of Love, Peace and Unity. Songs such as 'Stand Down Margaret' saw them spearhead a movement wanting real social change and multicutural inclusion. The thousands that sang along in unison with the band at nuclear disarmament marches bear testament to the uplifting feeling the band could evoke with their musical swagger and genuine care for humanity.

Almost in reaction to the height of their fame The Beat to the disbelief of many disbanded with Ranking Roger and Dave Wakeling forming General Public with Mickey Billingham of Dexys Midnight Runners and Andy Cox and David Steele putting together the Fine Young Cannibals. Though both enjoyed phenomenal success, no other artist has sounded like The Beat or indeed is ever likely too.
Now Ranking Roger , original Vocalist and toaster, alongside Everett Morton, founding member of The Beat who has a style that many have tried but none can copy and who is the backbone of The Beat, are joined by Murphy ‘Ranking’ Jnr, the prodigal son, and Mickey Billingham as they return to their roots with deeper rhythms, a wall of sound that transcends time and an unwavering dedication to real unity and love that leaves the future still to be written. There can be no question......The Beat are back!

With only 3 Irish date on their current tour, this is a gig not to be missed.

Tickets €15 are available from the Royal Box office on 0818 300 000 or 094 9023111 and ticketmaster.  For further info see www.RoyalTheatre.ie or www.facebook.com/royaltheatre.