The Beat Emerald City Cherry Hill New Jersey 5th October 1980

 OK, so Madness, The Bodysnatchers and Bad Manners were very much London bands, but few would dispute that overall 2 Tone belongs to the West Midlands. If Coventry was 2 Tone Central, then its big brother, Birmingham, England's second city, was its principal outpost. The Beat remained a founding member of the 2 Tone club having released a single on the label. However, two other Birmingham bands were very much linked with 2 Tone through a combination of geography and philosophy. UB40 released the great 'One in Ten', a reflection of the unemployment statistics of the time. The band's multiracial line up was very much akin with the bands in the 2 Tone camp, although UB40 were more influenced by reggae sounds. Another Birmingham outfit were Dexy's Midnight Runners who like the 2 Toners incorporated much brass into their Northern Soul tinged music. The also used to appear on the bill with the 2 Tone set.

Anyway, back to The Beat. For my money, along with The Specials, The Beat were the cream of the crop. Their songs ranged from angry and political ('Big Shot', 'Two Swords', 'Stand Down Margaret') to everyday, boy/girl challenges of youth ('Best Friend', 'Hands Off... She's Mine', 'Too Nice To Talk Too'). In Roger they also had a brilliant, engaging front man.

I believe that this is the gig that was recorded for use in the 'Dance Craze' film. This is the gig in it's entirety and it is stunning. Thanks to the 'Life in Monochrome' forum.

MP3: https://we.tl/t-3yaSlYdZAB

Artwork: https://we.tl/t-GGNezB4sqO