The Beat Featuring Ranking Jnr

The house lights dim gradually and so begin the crescendo of the audiences contrasting howl as the beat of “Hands Off… She’s Mine” sounds, and everyone is dancing showing off their best moves for the main event this evening, Birmingham band, The Beat, fronted by Ranking Roger, run on to the stage still possessing the same excitement that they one had thirty something years ago.
The Beat have a very worthy discography, with three top forty albums, two of which, “I Just Can’t Stop It” and “Wha’ppen?” rocketing up the charts to secure the number three spots. Word on the street and the whisper amongst the audience is that they have another album coming out next year called “For Crying Out Loud”. If there is something that this band is good at, it is playing live. They are so well known for creating a party atmosphere with their distinct “Two Tone, Ska, Post Punk” sound. Ranking Roger is a worthy ringleader of this outfit. Blasting through their set playing songs such as “Jeanette” and “I Confess”, even more current songs such as a remix of “Mirror in the Bathroom”. It truly is a spectacle seeing these music giants do what they do best.

The beat where excellent played a good selection of old & new songs. Great atmosphere mainly down to Ranking Roger's enthusiasm & crowd participation. If I could pick a favourite moment it would have to be the last song with Pauline Black and Gaps (Selecter) back on stage they sang "enjoy yourself" (previously Prince Buster, The Specials)
Pity I can't rate Leeds o2 Arena as highly though

A fantastic lively fun and happy time had by all in Leeds. Ranking Roger and Jnr and the band were just awesome. Great entertainment but there is a downside.... they have to stop playing at some point. Can’t get used to losing you...

Brilliant as always; great sound, great production and great energy - and 30+ years on they still have it!
First time I've been to 229 and loved it - a great small venue!