Dave Wakeling

Musician — California

01Profile

A Dave Wakeling Photo

03Interview

Photo: Jay Gilbert

Describe your style in three words?
Perry, Hermès, Zegna.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The last Clash show, US festival, San Bernadino, 1982.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Hippie, Punk, Mod, Skin - Because dressing up is fun.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Clash and David Bowie.
Because they are the best bands I ever did concerts with.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
The Buddha.

Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Belly Up, Solana Beach, CA. Perfect sound, great dancing crowd.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Syd Barrett - because the madcap laughed and created Pink Floyd. 


Dave Wakeling is best known as vocalist and guitarist with The Beat and later The English Beat. Following their debut single on 2 Tone records (a cover of Smokey Robinson's 'Tears Of A Clown') The Beat scored a string of hits in the late '70s and early '80s with songs that included 'Mirror In The Bathroom' and 'Too Nice To Talk To'.

In more recent years, after relocating to the US, Dave has fronted The English Beat, continuing to perform songs from the band's earlier period as well as recording new material. The English Beat's new album 'Here We Go Love' is released 25th May (UK) and 15th June (US), with a string of UK tour dates scheduled for May and June (2018).

Find out more at englishbeat.net

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
'Walk Away Renee' - Four Tops, on 7" vinyl!

A song that defines the teenage you?
Love Affair - 'Everlasting Love'

One record you would keep forever?
'Heart Of The Congos' by The Congos

A song lyric that has inspired you?
"So hold on to nothing, and he won't let you down" -
'After All' by David Bowie

A song you wished you had written?
I’ve written all the songs I've wanted to write, but I might write a few more because it’s fun.

Best song to turn up loud?
Love Affair - 'Everlasting Love'

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
Love Affair - 'Everlasting Love'

Best song to end an all-nighter?
'May You Never Lay Your Head Down' by John Martyn.

Any new bands you are into at the moment?
Foster The People.

03Interview

Photo: Jay Gilbert

Describe your style in three words?
Perry, Hermès, Zegna.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
The last Clash show, US festival, San Bernadino, 1982.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Hippie, Punk, Mod, Skin - Because dressing up is fun.

If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Clash and David Bowie.
Because they are the best bands I ever did concerts with.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
The Buddha.

Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Belly Up, Solana Beach, CA. Perfect sound, great dancing crowd.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Syd Barrett - because the madcap laughed and created Pink Floyd. 


Dave Wakeling is best known as vocalist and guitarist with The Beat and later The English Beat. Following their debut single on 2 Tone records (a cover of Smokey Robinson's 'Tears Of A Clown') The Beat scored a string of hits in the late '70s and early '80s with songs that included 'Mirror In The Bathroom' and 'Too Nice To Talk To'.

In more recent years, after relocating to the US, Dave has fronted The English Beat, continuing to perform songs from the band's earlier period as well as recording new material. The English Beat's new album 'Here We Go Love' is released 25th May (UK) and 15th June (US), with a string of UK tour dates scheduled for May and June (2018).

Find out more at englishbeat.net

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
'Walk Away Renee' - Four Tops, on 7" vinyl!

A song that defines the teenage you?
Love Affair - 'Everlasting Love'

One record you would keep forever?
'Heart Of The Congos' by The Congos

A song lyric that has inspired you?
"So hold on to nothing, and he won't let you down" -
'After All' by David Bowie

A song you wished you had written?
I’ve written all the songs I've wanted to write, but I might write a few more because it’s fun.

Best song to turn up loud?
Love Affair - 'Everlasting Love'

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
Love Affair - 'Everlasting Love'

Best song to end an all-nighter?
'May You Never Lay Your Head Down' by John Martyn.

Any new bands you are into at the moment?
Foster The People.

 

05Videos

The Beat - 'How Can You Stand There?'

The Beat - 'Mirror In The Bathroom'

The Beat - 'Too Nice To Talk To'

The Beat - 'Best Friend'