Ketchum donned their Vans shoes and pegged Levi's and came out in droves to hear The English Beat perform to a sold out crowd at Whiskeys last week. The crowd leaning more toward 50 than 40, bobbed and danced the night away as singer and guitarist, Dave Wakeling lead The Beat through close to two hours of hits like: "Save it for Later," "I Confess, Stand Down Margaret," "Hands Off She's Mine," "Can't Get Used to Losing You," "Twist and Crawl," "Mirror in the Bathroom" and even ending the night with two General Public hits: "Tenderness" and "Never You Done That" that pleased the crowd with rousing screams and applause.
Although Dave Wakeling is the only remaining member on tour from the original band, band members like Antonee First Class fired up the crowd with his toasting (lyrical chanting) all night. (Chanting IDAHO at one point) Saxaphonist Matt Morrish wowed the audience with his brilliant sax solos and Larry Young keep us on beat with his bass guitar and singing.
Cheers to Whiskey's for serving the "old school" crowd in stride. And especially cheers to The English Beat for including Ketchum, Idaho on their 2014 tour! I can't believe it's been more than 30 years since their debut. Time flies—and it dawns on me just like their second album name—"Wha'ppen?"
photos by William Ziebell
photos by William Ziebell
Dave Wakeling leads The English Beat through a night of hits like "Stand Down Margaret".
Left: Whiskey's staff on crowd control.
Dave Wakeling
Lead Vocals/Guitar
Rhythmm Epkins
Drums/Vocals
Antonee First Class
Toaster
Matt Morrish
Sax/Vocals
Kevin Lum
Keys/Vocals
Larry Young
Bass/Vocals
Julie Molema is Sun Valley Magazine's art director and sometimes writer. She is also the owner of JAM Designs Jewelry and Accessories. Her favorite music is 80s tunes, with The English Beat being in her top 5 favorite bands.
