Beat Skank

Rude boys and girls, get ready: The English Beat's long-awaited U.S. tour is again making a stop in Anaheim, Orange County's historical haven for the brassy irreverence of two-tone ska. Formed in 1978 in Birmingham, England, the Beat-their original name in the U.K.-were pioneers of the second-wave ska movement. With an infectious fusion of ska, reggae, punk and soul, the band swirled together a sound that has made them legendary. Though they have splintered into various incarnations over the years, vocalist/guitarist Dave Wakeling is still the band's omnipotent leader. A night full of classic '80s gems such as "Mirror in the Bathroom" and "Stand Down Margaret" are sure to transport you back to the days of thin neckties, John Hughes teen flicks and the Berlin Wall. For an extra tinge of awesomeness, OC natives Rx Bandits are opening the show with their own brand of ska-inspired progressive rock goodness.
Thu., March 27, 7 p.m., 2008