Music Great Dave Wakeling
Ska pioneers the English Beat are kicking off a 6 week tour with Reel Big Fish this weekend at the Royal Oak Music Theatre.
After 5 was fortunate to have the chance to speak with English Beat lead singer Dave Wakeling before the upcoming show.
Hailing from Birmingham, England Wakeling has left his mark on the music scene with both the English Beat and General Public. With hits that spanned the globe, Wakeling has been a major influence for numerous bands today.
Wakeling said he is excited to return to Detroit and counts Motown music as one of the best genres to ever emerge. "It's probably the best American music ever," he said. "I covered Tears of a Clown as the first single I ever released."
Wakeling said he has a kinship with Detroit as well in that he comes from Birmingham which is an industrial town in England that's faced similar challenges to our city.
He even spent his birthday last year at the Motown Museum soaking up some history of the sound.
Dave's influence and impression on the music scene has earned its accolades in its own right.
Wakeling was recently contacted by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame requesting his guitar to be placed in their collection of legendary pieces.
He said he's excited to kick off this tour with Reel Big Fish and the diverse crowd the shows will atract. "It will be a cross pollination of older and younger fans. It should be a great combination," he said.
Throughout his career Wakeling has influenced newer artists and even made impressions on legendary performers such as Pete Townsend who covered Save it for Later.
Check out the English Beat & Reel Big Fish this Friday, July 3 at Royal Oak Music Theatre. To purchase tickets click here.
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