The King of Ska, Dave Wakeling, was a founding member of pioneering 2-tone band the English Beat. Formed in Birmingham, England in 1978 as a response to the height of UK economic melt-down of the time, the Beat offered a punk rock sensibility set to a lively, danceable and fun sound influenced by infectious Jamaican rhythms. The band would create a string of hits including "Hands Off She's Mine", "Mirror in the Bathroom", "Save It For Later", "Twist and Crawl" and a remake of the Miracles' "Tears of a Clown",. When the original line-up disbanded in the 1983, Wakeling and Beat toaster/MC Ranking Roger formed General Public, finding success again with the hit "Tenderness" before going their separate ways.
Touring again with the English Beat in a number of varied configurations, the charismatic Wakeling continues to be both persistent and consistent as an ardent Greenpeace supporter, a voice of activism and political participation, a great story-teller, and the purveyor of a singularly smile-inducing and high energy live show. Definitely on top of his game on his latest tour of shows filled with recognizable hits as well as newer thoughtful offerings, Wakeling stopped by Wolfgang's Vault for a session featuring hit "Save It for Later", as well as some excellent new material.
Visit Dave Wakeling's official site.
Purchase music by Dave Wakeling and the English Beat.