The Beat frontman David Wakeling returned to the Isle of Wight as part of the band’s 40th-anniversary tour, playing to a full house at Strings in Newport on Wednesday evening (20th July).
It was from the Isle of Wight that David Wakeling recruited bass player David “shuffle” Steele – a key member of the original the Beat line up. Wakeling was to write many of the Beat’s songs on the Island, including End of the Party, Click Click and Mirror in the Bathroom, while he lived in Blackgang in 1977, where he was employed building solar panels.
Island Echo spoke with David Wakeling – who has played sold out stadium venues all over the world – after the concert:
The Beat frontman said:
“Having previously lived in Blackgang, I now feel I’ve finally made it by playing the capital of the Isle of Wight.
“When I lived here, I loved the dark skies and complete quiet. In 1977, it was possible to cycle all the way from Blackgang to Newport without coming across a single car on the way. It made quite a change from Birmingham.”
Concert promoter Steve Robson, from Visual Impact in Newport, commented:
“It was a fantastic night. Everyone I spoke to absolutely loved it. The band thought it was one of the best nights of their tour. The venue was ideal for the band.
Article continues below this advertisement “The Beat are off to play the Cavern in Liverpool next. We are hoping to see them again. They definitely want to come back next year,”
‘Sell out concert at Strings’ Not exactly Wembley stadium is it?
A great band can play anywhere and they want to come back !! enough said
A good Band can play anywhere and they want to come back !
enough said !!