The English Beat at S.P.A.C.E this Friday!

One of the lesser known bands from the Two Tone movement of the late 70s and early 80s in the UK (which came briefly to the US too), The English Beat are coming to play S.P.A.C.E in Evanston this Friday, November 29. A critically under-rated band, their most widely known hit was a cover of Smokey Robinson's “Tears of a Clown”, but their most redolent song from the era was “Mirror in the Bathroom”. The song is often interpreted as being written as a cry for assistance, penned by someone who needed help for drug problems and many people see it as unofficial anthem for addicts. Whilst many continue to interpret it in that way, the band’s singer and guitarist, Dave Wakeling, explained that the song had more to do with vanity, self involvement and isolation than anything else. You can listen to the hit here:

Make up your own mind, then think about going to book tickets for one of the most under-rated ska bands you’re likely to see and hear in a long time, still going strong thirty years on.

By: Claire Williams