On Saturday, February 1st, the Exeter Phoenix's main auditorium was once again graced by the legendary ska band THE BEAT. Known for their timeless sound and energetic performances, they delivered an unforgettable show that had the audience skanking and singing along all night long.
Opening up the entertainment on the main auditorium stage was the vibrant sounds of REVOLUTION ROOTS, an 8-piece dub, reggae, and ska band who are well known for their infectious energy and dynamic performances,
From the moment they took the stage, the room was transformed into a pulsating dance floor. Their setlist was a masterclass in genre-blending, seamlessly weaving together the rhythmic grooves of dub, the soulful melodies of reggae, and the upbeat tempos of ska. The audience couldn't help but move to the infectious beats, skanking along with an enthusiasm that was aided by the fact that it was a Saturday night and the end of the month so people had finally received a pay packet after Christmas and New Year!
Highlights of the night included the high-energy tracks "Mashdown Babylon", "Smoking Hot", and "Mexico",with tight instrumentation and captivating vocals that had everyone in the room grooving in unison. The brass section shone brightly, adding a rich layer of sound that elevated the performance to new heights.
Their set was a celebration of music and community, showcasing their ability to connect with the audience, creating an atmosphere of unity and joy. As their set came to a close, it was clear that they had ticked all the boxes and warmed up the room for THE BEAT who would take the stage shortly after.
Finally, it was time for THE BEAT….
The band took to the stage minus Ranking Jr who held back and let them create the mood which was bass heavy whilst the room relaxed into their groove. Jr came bounding onto the stage to huge applause, dancing around and welcoming the audience and thanking them for coming to see them.
Their set was a good mixture of classics from The Beat’s groundbreaking albums and some newer material that Ranking Jr introduced to the room with aplomb.
Highlights for me included the iconic track "Mirror in the Bathroom", a song that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with fans old and new. The crowd was instantly transported back to the heyday of ska, with everyone moving to the infectious rhythm. Another favourite was "Stand Down Margaret", a politically charged anthem that remains as relevant today as it was when it was first released. The band's ability to blend personal and political lyrics with catchy melodies is a testament to their enduring appeal. A newer track, "Oi You". was aimed at Boris Johnson and his bumbled way of managing the COVID lockdown which saw him and his #10 colleagues partying whilst the rest of us were told to remain indoors and not even see our loved ones! This showcased Ranking Jr's powerful vocals and his ability to connect with the audience on a personal level.
The audience was treated to "Too Nice to Talk To", a track that perfectly captured the band's signature sound. The room was filled with rude boys and rude girls, reliving their youth and having the time of their lives with accompanying dance moves that brought the venue to life.
A poignant moment of the evening came when Ranking Jr, who took over the mantle of frontman since Ranking Roger's passing in 2019, introduced a track called "Carry The Flag", which he dedicated to his late father and his best friend, a man who taught him everything he knows about being in a legendary band. This heartfelt dedication added an emotional depth to the performance, making it even more memorable.
The night was a celebration of ska, unity, and the enduring legacy of THE BEAT.
Their performance was a reminder of why they are considered one of the key bands of the U.K. ska revival of the late '70s and early '80s. If you missed this incredible show, make sure to catch them next time—they promise to deliver unforgettable experiences every time.
Words by musomuso
Pics by Julian Baird ©
