The Beat at Sub89, Reading

Published 2 Mar 2010 09:00 0 Comments

By Chris Forsey

ALTHOUGH I consider myself a Hendrix-obsessed guitar head, back in the early '80s the cardboard-covered tape album by The Beat was played to death in my old Mini (alas the wretched machine eventually chewed it up).

So the chance of seeing one of my all-time faves at Sub89 was like meeting an old flame - nervously hoping that time has been kind to both of us.

Ranking Roger (Jonathan Ross, PLEASE have him on your show) is now the frontman and most familiar voice to what is still my favourite Ska-based band from the '70s and early '80s.

OK, the line-up has changed, but as soon as they opened up with Hands Off She's Mine, I was sold.

Tears Of A Clown and Rough Rider are still the best vehicle for Roger's gravelly voice and with his son Ranking Junior on backing vocals it was still a good, driving wall of sound.

Sub89 has, I think, tapped into a growing live music market for the 'grey army' and it's no surprise that at a gig like this, you will bump into friends you haven't seen for a while.

Try not to look too surprised or quizzical when they say, 'Haven't seen you for ages!' as you try desperately to remember who they are!

I'm sure the audience, like myself, were heading home to find all the old tapes and humming Mirror In The Bathroom.

Tweet

This article appeared in Reading Chronicle 25 Feb 10

Post a comment

Your Comment:

Registered users log in here

Username or email

Password

If you are registered with us, you can login here. If you are not registered, do so now.
Once logged in you wont have to complete word verification each time you post.

Prefer not to register?

Screen Name *required

Email (not displayed) *required

Usernames must be 4 - 20 characters. Registration only takes a few minutes. Registered users can also take part in competitions and other features of the site.

Word Verification:
Enter the text as shown.

Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our The Guide archives.

Follow @rdgchronicle