About

City Winery Chicago presents The English Beat live on Monday, December 4th at 8:00pm!

One of the key bands of the U.K. ska revival of the late '70s and early '80s, the Beat (known as the English Beat in North America to avoid confusion with the Paul Collins-led power pop group) achieved a near-perfect balance of pop melodies and taut rhythms that made them stars in Britain and won them a substantial cult following in the United States. Fronted by vocalist and guitarist Dave Wakeling and toaster Ranking Roger, the racially integrated Beat were based in Birmingham, England and released their debut single, "Tears of a Clown" b/w "Ranking Full Stop," through the Specials' 2-Tone label in 1979. The single went Top Ten in the U.K., and they soon struck a deal with Arista to distribute their own Go Feet label. 1980's I Just Can't Stop It (released by Sire in the United States) went gold in England on the strength of the single "Mirror in the Bathroom," and the band's ferocious performances and clever blend of personal and political lyrics made them stars at home. After a disappointing sophomore effort, 1981's Wha'ppen?, the band came roaring back with 1982's Special Beat Service, a more pop-oriented set that gave them a wider U.S. audience thanks to MTV's embrace of the singles "I Confess" and "Save It for Later." The band split at the end of that year, but in the 2000s, both Wakeling and Roger were fielding touring versions of the Beat, and the Wakeling edition recorded a new album, 2018's Here We Go Love.

Dine at Your Show


Dine at your show

We provide food and beverage service directly to your table in the venue. Or, for an expanded menu and more relaxed experience, we recommend arriving early and enjoying a meal in our restaurant before the show. When dining in the restaurant, reservations are encouraged and can be made via Resy starting one month before the show. Want a carafe of wine waiting at your table in the venue? Reserve one during checkout.

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$25 Per Person Minimum


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Kindly note there is a $25 per person food & beverage minimum in the concert venue. Food and beverages ordered in the restaurant also count towards the minimum. For more information, visit our FAQ page.

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Have Wine Waiting at Your Table


Wine at the Table

Want a carafe of wine waiting at your table? Reserve one during checkout. The price of the wine will be added to your in venue check. This option is available for pick-your-seat events only. Kindly note it is not available for General Admission events. Carafes are 750 ml, the size of a standard wine bottle.

Become a Vinofile Member


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Members get 48 hour early access to new shows, pay no ticket fees, and earn points to exchange for complimentary tickets. Vinofile Plus members also receive many wine benefits, including monthly wine pick-up parties, wine of the month, wine tastings, and 20% off wine. Already a member? Make sure you are signed in to access your benefits.

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rock ska english beat

THE ENGLISH BEAT