Photo courtesy of NY Times
Left to right: Loz, Tami, Ronnie and Jack at the Prince Albert Pub in Brighton, England

Back by popular demand, the Historic Ashland Armory welcomes the return of Dave Wakeling and Ska sensation The English Beat to its stage on Friday, April 18 at 8:30 p.m.

From their working-class upbringing in Birmingham, England, Dave and The English Beat hit the music scene in 1979, on the cusp of a decade that would see them favor. It was a time of political and social upheaval as well as a period of musical innovation and exploration. Bands were more than likely exploring the ranges of synthesizers and electronic instruments as a growing element in pop.

The English Beat managed to fuse all of their respective musical influences – soul, reggae, pop and punk – into a unique sound. Along with acts like The Specials, The Selecter, and Madness, The English Beat found themselves at the forefront of the growing British Ska movement of the early 1980s.

The six-member group consisted of Dave Wakeling (vox, guitar), Andy Cox (guitar), David Steele (bass), Saxa (saxophone), Everett Morton (drums) and Ranking Roger (toasting).

Between 1979 and 1983, while recording their three albums, The English Beat achieved great success, charting several songs on the UK top 10 as well as a near constant touring schedule with The Police and The Clash.

Their musical vision was not unnoticed as they found a growing base of fans across the pond in America eager to hear these new and hypnotic rhythms coming out of the UK.

In a decade of growing uncertainty, both Wakeling and The English Beat refused to shy away from serious political issues of the time. They were outspoken on nuclear disarmament, donating all profits from their successful single of "Stand Down Margaret" to this cause, and lent their talents to The Specials’ anthem, "Free Nelson Mandela."

In 1983, following the release of their third and final album, "Special Beat Service," The English Beat disbanded. Wakeling decided to form a new band, General Public, along with Ranking Roger and The Clash’s Mick Jones, among others. General Public quickly became one of the powerhouse groups on the English pop circuit of the ‘80s.

Through the early 1990s, Wakeling decided to use his notoriety for good as he became actively involved with Greenpeace, putting his guitar down and stepping inside the mixing booth. Wakeling produced a live compilation album for Greenpeace called "Alternative NRG." The album proved to be groundbreaking – it was the first of its kind to be performed, recorded, produced and mixed solely with energy provided from solar power.

In 1996, while General Public disbanded, Wakeling soon returned to his roots, performing in nightclubs and bars all across the US, Canada and the UK.

But in Feb. 2003, Wakeling found an opportunity to reunite the English Beat for a mini tour, a first in more than 20 years. The tour culminated in a sold-out show at Royal Festival Hall in England and showed that audiences still go crazy for hard-driving Ska and rock-steady. Since then, the now re-energized group has yet to let up and will surely keep the Ashland Armory rocking all night long.

It’s an all ages show. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the show will begin at 8:30 p.m.. Tickets are $25.00 in advance and are available at Music Coop and Lowdown in Ashland, Bad Ass Coffee and Music Head in Medford.

For more info, visit renegadeshows.com or call 530-583-2801.