Friday 02 October 2026

Friday 02 October 2026. THE BEAT live at Shepherds Bush Empire. A nice double bill of legendary ska bands . The Beat, led by vocalist Dave Wakeling, have announced ‘Dance Crazed Too - a 21 date UK tour’. With support from The Selecter and DJ Rhoda Dakar (The Bodysnatchers). I have seen both bands a few times before, since those great 2 Tone packages . I went to both these great shows back in the day.... Specials,Madness,Selecter ,Modettes at The Electric Ballroom, London 21.07.1979 first major 2 tone ska gig in London. Specials,Selecter,Dexys Midnight Runners at The Lyceum Theatre, London 25.11.1979 ----------------- Level 3 is closed as unsold tonight. As expected , it's a rowdy middle aged drinking crowd tonight. Both bands have had a few Top 40 hits in the UK RHODA DAKAR did two 30 mins DJ sets , before both bands. A nice mix of ska and reggae tunes THE SELECTER arrived on stage at 7.45pm for their 45 mins set. They still feature two original members , Pauline Black on vocals and Charles on drums. The Selecter deliver high-energy, joyful, and s tight live performance led by the hard to believe that Pauline Black is now aged 72 year old , who really is the Queen of Ska, and is fantastic to watch. Overall , i preferred them to The Beat . Hits played included ' Three Minute Hero', ' Missing Words', ' On My Radio' and 'Too Much Pressure' got plenty of folks dancing THE BEAT arrived on stage at 9.05pm for their 75 mins set. UB40 did it with reggae tracks , The Beat (known as The English Beat in North America) recorded several notable cover songs that blended traditional Jamaican ska and rock steady. Highlights included ' Hands Off , She's Mine' , ' Too Nice to Talk To' , ' Tears of a Clown', ' Can't Get Used to Losing You' , ' Stand Down Margaret' and a mega 'Mirror in The Bathroom'. Continuous chants of " Rude Boys" and "Irie" throughout the show. Dave Wakeling appears a bit grumpy as a mix up between his manager and the venue , meant there was nobody to sell their merch , which meant a loss of much needed revenue. He noticed a skirmish down down the front and said " Just like the old days". He walked off the stage five minutes from the end , as the band introductions were given out. The finale should have been a highlight but it was more an anti-climax. ------------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------ Thursday 01 October 2026...6pm to 10pm... BAMBOO MAT - launch party - 1 North Lane , Wood Wharf , London E22. We are in the Canary Wharf area , where there are soooo many restaurants and bars to cater for the workers and locals who live and work in the tall buildings. Over 100 guests here , over the two floors. There is an open plan kitchen upstairs. We are on time so find a nice cosy table in the corner . Bamboo Mat is focused on Nikkei cuisine, Bamboo-Mat explores the meeting point between two ancient cultures. Nikkei is the reflection of the Japanese discipline shaped by the energy and symbolism of Peru. A five piece band play two sets , mixing South American rhythms and classic covers. Many of the crowd including us , had a little dance during the second set. Complimentary Pisco Sours , Negronis, Margaritas prosecco ,wines, beers and lovely pork chops , sushi and canapes .....a very enjoyable time was had.

Posted 1st October 2026